Inertial pneumatic wave energy device

ABSTRACT

A buoyant wave energy device is disclosed that incorporates an open-bottomed tube of substantial length in which is partially enclosed a first body of water that oscillates in response to wave action. The device incorporates a buoy to which an upper end of the tube is connected and inside of which is trapped a second body of water of substantial mass. A differential phase in the oscillations of the water trapped in the tube, and the oscillations of the buoy of augmented mass, result in the periodic compression of a pocket of air trapped at the top of the tube, and in the subsequent expulsion of pressurized air through a turbine, thereby generating electrical power.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation application is based on U.S. Ser. No. 16/412,225,filed May 14, 2019, which claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 62/693,373,filed Jul. 2, 2018. and U.S. Ser. No. 62/672,579, filed May 17, 2018,the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Large-scale computing currently has at least two significant limitationsand/or drawbacks, each of which is solved by the present invention.First, computers require electrical power in order to operate andperform their calculations. Electrical power is required to energizeCPUs. Electrical power is required to energize random-access memory.Electrical power is required to energize shared and/or more persistentmemory (e.g. hard disks). Electrical power is required to energizeswitches, routers, and other equipment supporting network connectionsbetween computers.

As society's reliance on computers and computing increases, the portionof the world's energy budget that is consumed by computers and computingalso increases. By some estimates, computers and computing currentlyaccount for approximately 4% of the world's total electricity budget andthe percentage is growing exponentially, especially with respect tocomputationally intensive tasks such as simulations, artificialintelligence, and mining of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Secondly, computers generate heat. Most (if not all) of the electricalpower used to energize computers is converted to, and/or lost as, heatfrom the circuits and components that execute the respectivecomputational tasks. The heat generated by computers can raise thetemperatures of computers to levels that can cause those computers tofail, especially when the computers are located in close proximity toone another. Because of this, computers, and/or the environments inwhich they operate, must be cooled. And, cooling, e.g. through airconditioners and/or air conditioning, requires and/or consumessignificant amounts of electrical energy. Favorable historical trends inthe miniaturization of computer components (e.g. “Moore's Law”) arecurrently slowing, suggesting that future increases in computationalpower may require greater investments in cooling than was common in thepast.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel wave energy convertercontaining two substantial masses which, as a result of wave action, aredriven away from and toward one another, thereby compressing and causingthe expulsion through turbines of air trapped and cyclically compressedwithin a chamber. Some embodiments of the wave energy device disclosedherein comprise a buoy, a water tube, an air turbine, a power take off,and one or more one-way valves. The disclosed apparatus floats adjacentto an upper surface of a body of water, e.g. the sea, and is low-cost,robust, and captures the energy of ocean waves and converts it intoelectrical power in an efficient manner.

The wave energy device of the present invention differs from oscillatingwater columns, and other wave energy devices, of the prior art throughits inclusion of attributes that significantly increase its efficiency,including, but not limited to:

1) A substantial ballast positioned within the buoy causing the deviceto manifest a large downward momentum following the passage of a wavecrest.

2) The positioning of the device's ballast within an upper portion ofthe device (e.g., within the buoy), as opposed to a lower portion (e.g.,near the bottom of a submerged tube). By placing the device'sdownward-pushing ballast adjacent to the buoy surfaces against which theupward-pushing buoyant forces of the displaced waters are imparted, thestructural requirements of the device are significantly lessened, andthe ability of the device to withstand violent storm wave action isincreased.

3) The use of water (e.g., seawater) to provide a significant portion ofthe device's ballast, which provides the device an ability to alter themass of its ballast in response to changes in wave conditions, e.g., inorder to adapt the motion, orientation, and/or position of the device towave conditions of varying energies, and which reduces structural costs.

4) A buoy displacing a relatively significant waterplane area, forexample, a waterplane area of at least three times the cross-sectionalarea of its water tube channel, as opposed to a “spar buoy” type ofrelatively meager waterplane area, so as to maximize the amount of waveenergy transmitted or imparted to the device.

5) The storage of high-pressure air, low-pressure air, or both, withinpneumatic “accumulators” or buffers, which effectively decouple the airpressures used to generate electrical power from the oscillating andimpulsive changes in air pressure generated by the device's tube, andthereby permitting a relatively steady generation of electrical powerfrom smaller, and less costly, turbines and generators, instead of animpulsive generation of power from significantly larger and moreexpensive turbines and generators (e.g., turbines and generators withthe capacity to handle more powerful and volumetric surges of air). Thesteadier generation of electrical power minimizes the need forbatteries, flywheels, or other energy storage and/or bufferingcomponents, resulting in a further reduction of device costs.

6) The provision of self-propulsion capabilities permitting thepositioning and operation of devices at locations far from shore wherewave energies are greater than at near-shore locations, and therebypermitting greater power-generation efficiencies and higher capacityfactors.

7) The consumption of generated electrical power onboard the devices soas to profitably monetize the output of each device without the benefitof a power cable through which electrical power might be transmittedback to shore.

8) The consumption of generated electrical power onboard the devices bycomputing devices and/or circuits so as to process arbitrary computingtasks transmitted to the device via encoded electromagnetic signals.

9) The incorporation of phased array antennas (and/or other types ofantennas) across and/or over the broad area(s) of the device's uppersurface(s) and/or deck(s).

A preferred embodiment of the device disclosed herein locates and/orcompartmentalizes computers within or adjacent to a buoy, or buoyantportion, floating adjacent to the surface of a body of water. And, asubstantial portion of the electrical power generated by the embodimentin response to wave action is used to energize the buoy's cluster(s) ofcomputers, at least some of the time. The resulting heat generated bythe computers can be transmitted (e.g. passively, convectively,conductively, and/or via the boiling of a phase-change coolant) to thewater on which the buoy floats, or to the air surrounding the buoy, e.g.strong ocean winds.

Another aspect of the present invention is a novel type of computingapparatus which is integrated within a buoy that obtains the energyrequired to power its computing operations from waves that travel acrossthe surface of the body of water on which the buoy floats. Additionally,these self-powered computing buoys employ novel designs to utilize theirclose proximity to a body of water and/or to strong ocean winds tosignificantly lower the cost and complexity of cooling their computingcircuits.

These and other features of the invention will best be understood withreference to the accompanying figures in conjunction with the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of a first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of a second embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 27 ;

FIG. 29 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of an alternate configuration of theembodiment of FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 32 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 32 ;

FIG. 34 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 34 ;

FIG. 36 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 ;

FIG. 38 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 38 ;

FIG. 40 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 41 ;

FIG. 43 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 43 ;

FIG. 45 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 47 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 48 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 49 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 52 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 53 ;

FIG. 55 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 56 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 57 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 58 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 59 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 60 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 61 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 63 is an elevated, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 62 ;

FIG. 64 is an enlarged, sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 62 ;

FIG. 65 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 65 ;

FIG. 67 is another cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 65 ;

FIG. 68 is another cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 65 ;

FIG. 69 is an enlarged, sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 65 ;

FIG. 70 is a top down cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 59;

FIG. 71 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 72 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 71 ;

FIG. 73 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 71 ;

FIG. 74 is another cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 71

FIG. 75 is an elevated, perspective schematic view of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 76 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 75 ;

FIG. 77 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 75 ;

FIG. 78 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 75 ;

FIG. 79 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 75 ; and

FIG. 80 is an elevated, perspective cross sectional view of theembodiment of FIG. 75 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The device disclosed herein is a wave energy converter that floatsadjacent to an upper surface of a body of water, e.g. the sea, and whichincorporates a large number of computing circuits or “chips” that arepowered, at least in part, by the electrical power generated by thedevice in response to the passage of waves beneath it, and which areused to process arbitrary and/or specific computing tasks that can be(but are not necessarily) transmitted to the device via encodedelectromagnetic signals.

Also disclosed is a buoyant device containing a buoyant portion,sometimes referred to as a “buoy,” causing the device to float adjacentto an upper surface of a body of water. The device also contains atleast one approximately vertical tubular structure, typically with anopen bottom end, and/or one or more openings and/or apertures near itsbottom end, sometimes referred to as a “water column.” The water columntends to contain air in an upper portion, typically referred to as an“air pocket.” Out-of-phase vertical oscillations of water inside thewater column in response to waves buffeting the device cause cyclicalcompressions and expansions of the air pocket.

A portion of the air pressurized by the cyclical compressions of adevice's air pocket may be vented directly to the atmosphere. It may bedirected through a turbine that turns a generator to generate electricalpower. And it may be directed into a chamber where pressurized air isstored and/or buffered and therefrom released at a relatively steadyrate into the atmosphere, causing the rotation of a turbine, and theenergizing of a generator, and the generation of electrical power.

Air may be drawn into the air pocket during periods of its expansion,said air passing directly into the air pocket. Alternately, the air maybe drawn through a turbine that turns a generator to generate electricalpower. And, alternately, the air may be drawn from a chamber wheredepressurized air (i.e. air at less than atmospheric pressure) is storedand/or buffered and into which air from the atmosphere outside thedevice is admitted at a relatively steady rate, causing a relativelysteady rotation of a turbine, and the energizing of a generator, and thegeneration of electrical power.

A device will typically have a buoy with a substantial waterplane areaso as to capture wave energy from a broad, large, and/or expansiveportion of the surface area of the water on which the device floats.

A device will typically include substantial ballast within the buoy inorder to provide the device with substantial inertia allowing it tostore and/or manifest substantial downward momentum when falling offwave crest. A device will typically store a significant volume and/ormass of water within a chamber inside its buoy in order to achieve adesirable ballast mass, and/or weight.

A device will typically have a water column and/or water tubecharacterized by a significant diameter, e.g., 2-11 meters, and asignificant length, e.g., 30-150 meters, causing the water column topartially enclose (“partially” because an aperture is incorporatedwithin the wall of the water column near its bottom) a volume of waterof substantial mass and inertia, allowing the water within the watertube to manifest substantial upward momentum when rising within thewater column.

Disparate phases of the buoy's downward motion and the contemporaneousupward motion of the water in water column cyclically compresses anddecompresses the air within the device's air pocket.

A device may possess the means, mechanisms, components, equipment,systems, modules, and/or structures, to generate propulsion allowing thedevice the ability to reposition itself and/or change its geospatiallocation, e.g., thereby allowing it to seek out, follow, and/or positionitself at a location characterized by favorable wave conditions,climates, and/or weather.

A device may incorporate the means, mechanisms, components, equipment,systems, modules, and/or structures, required to allow it to consume atleast a portion of the electrical power that it generates in order toperform onboard computing of computational tasks that it receives fromremote sources (e.g., by radio or satellite communications), to generatechemical fuels, to desalinate water and/or isolate useful minerals fromseawater, etc. Such energy-consuming capabilities permit a device (andits owners) to monetize a device and/or a portion of the electricalpower that a device generates, without need for a subsea power cable.

1) Buoyant Portion

An embodiment of the present invention incorporates, includes, and/orutilizes a buoy in order to keep at least a portion of the deviceadjacent to the surface of a body of water. Buoys of the presentinvention are positively buoyant objects that may be free-floating,drifting, self-propelled, tethered (e.g., by anchor) to a seafloor ortethered (e.g., by mooring cables) to one or more other buoys.

Buoys of the present invention include, but are not limited to, thosewhich are composed and/or fabricated of, and/or may incorporate,include, and/or contain: air-filled voids, foam, wood, bamboo, steel,aluminum, cement, fiberglass, and/or plastic.

Buoys of the present invention include, but are not limited to, thosewhich are fabricated as a substantially monolithic body, as well asthose comprised of an interconnected assemblage of parts, e.g., of whichindividual parts may not be positively buoyant. They may also befabricated as assemblies of positively buoyant sub-assemblies, e.g., ofbuoyant canisters or modules.

Buoys of the present invention include, but are not limited to, thosewhich displace water across and/or over areas of the surface of body ofwater as small as 2 square meters, and as great as 4,000 square meters.

Buoys of the present invention include, but are not limited to, thosewhich have a horizontal cross-sectional shape (i.e., a shape withrespect to a cross-section parallel to the resting surface of a body ofwater) and/or a waterplane shape that is approximately: circular,elliptical, rectangular, triangular, and hexagonal.

Buoys of the present invention include, but are not limited to, thosewhich have a vertical cross-sectional shape (i.e., a shape with respectto a cross-section normal to the resting surface of a body of water)that is approximately: rectangular, frusto-triangular, semi-circular,and semi-elliptical.

2) Water Tube

An embodiment of the present invention incorporates, includes, and/orutilizes a tube, cylinder, channel, conduit, container, canister,object, and/or structure, i.e., a “water tube,” an upper end of which isnominally positioned above the mean water line of the device, and alower end of which is nominally positioned at a depth near, adjacent to,and/or below, a wave base of the body of water on which the embodimentfloats.

Water tubes of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those which have a horizontal cross-section, i.e., a cross-sectionthrough a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the tube, that isapproximately circular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, and/oroctagonal, as well as those which have a horizontal cross-section thatis irregular or of some or any other shape.

Water tubes of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those which have an internal channel, e.g., through which water and/orair may flow, which have horizontal cross-sections, i.e., across-sections through a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of thetube, that is approximately circular, elliptical, rectangular,hexagonal, and/or octagonal, as well as those which have a horizontalcross-section that is irregular or of some or any other shape.

Water tubes of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those which have an internal channel, e.g., through which water and/orair may flow, with variable, inconsistent, and/or changing, horizontalcross-sectional areas, i.e., a variable, inconsistent, and/or unequal,area with respect to at least two cross-sections through a plane normalto a longitudinal axis of the tube.

Water tubes of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those which are fabricated, at least in part, of: steel, and/or othermetals; one or more types of plastic; one or more types of fiber orcomposite materials (e.g., carbon fiber or fiberglass); one or moretypes of resin; and/or one or more types of cementitious material.

Water tubes of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those which are, at least in part, and/or at least to a degree, flexiblewith respect to at least one axis, as well as those that are, at leastin part, rigid and/or not substantially flexible with respect to atleast one axis.

Water tubes of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those which are comprised of tube walls of approximately constantthickness and/or strength; as well as those which are comprised of tubewalls of variable, inconsistent, and/or changing, thicknesses and/orstrengths (e.g., tubes having thicker walls nearer the buoy and thinnerwalls near the bottom of the water tube).

Embodiments of the present invention incorporate, include, and/orutilize one or more water tubes, and the scope of the present disclosureincludes embodiments that incorporate, include, and/or utilize differentnumbers, and/or any number, of water tubes.

3) Air Turbine

An embodiment of the present invention incorporates, includes, and/orutilizes “air turbines,” e.g., devices and/or mechanisms that cause ashaft to rotate in response to the passage of air through a channel.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “uni-directional airturbines” that cause a shaft to rotate with a torque having a firstrotational direction in response to the passage of air through a channelin a first direction of flow, but cause that shaft to rotate with atorque having a second rotational direction (or no torque) in responseto the passage of air through the channel in a second, e.g., opposite,direction of flow.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “bi-directional airturbines” that cause a shaft to rotate with a torque having a firstrotational direction in response to the passage of air through a channelin a first direction of flow, and cause that shaft to rotate with torquehaving that same first rotational direction in response to the passageof air through the channel in a second, e.g., opposite, direction offlow.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “air turbines” that areof known types, including, but not limited to, air turbines of thefollowing types:

Wells turbines

Wells turbines with guide vanes

biplane Wells turbine with guide vanes

contrarotating Wells turbine

Impulse turbines

Impulse turbines with guide vanes

Biradial turbines

McCormick counterrotating turbine

Cross-flow turbines

Savonius turbines

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “boundary layer effectturbines” including, but not limited to, those of the “Tesla turbine”design.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “air turbines” that areof unknown, undocumented, and/or unpublished types, designs, andconfigurations.

Embodiments of the present invention incorporate, include, and/orutilize one or more turbines, and the scope of the present disclosureincludes embodiments that incorporate, include, and/or utilize differentnumbers, and/or any number, of turbines.

4) Ducted Air Turbine

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “air turbines”positioned within constricted portions of a water tubes, or extensionsof a water tube. By positioning air turbines in constricted portions oftubes through which air will flow, the speed of the air is increased bya Venturi effect thereby facilitating the efficient extraction of powerfrom the flow.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “air turbines”positioned within cowlings, tubes, and/or shrouds, that are of knowntypes, including, but not limited to, the following types:

ducted turbines uni-directional ducted turbines

shrouded turbines bi-directional ducted turbines

venturi shaped ducted turbines

diffuser-augmented wind turbines

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “air turbines”positioned within tubes, and/or portions of tubes, that compriseconstrictions of known types, including, but not limited to, thefollowing types:

venturi tubes nozzles

flow nozzles orifice plates

Dall tubes venturi nozzles

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize constricted tubes thatare of unknown, undocumented, and/or unpublished types, designs, andconfigurations.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize one or more constrictedtubes, ducts, and/or ducted turbines, and the scope of the presentdisclosure includes embodiments that incorporate, include, and/orutilize different numbers, and/or any number, of constricted tubes,ducts, and/or ducted turbines.

5) Power Take Off (PTO)

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments that include,incorporate, and/or utilize, air turbines that are directly and/orindirectly connected to PTOs including, but not limited to, thosecomprising:

an electrical generator

a pump (e.g., of air or water)

a gearbox and rotatably connected electrical generator and/or pump

(e.g., of air or water)

a hydraulic ram and/or piston, and,

a cam shaft that is rotatably connected to an hydraulic ram and/orpiston;

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments that include,incorporate, and/or utilize, air turbines that are directly and/orindirectly connected to linearly extensible components, and/or elements,of extensible PTOs such as hydraulic pistons, rack-and-pinon assemblies,sliding rods/shafts of linear generators, etc.

6) Pressurization of Air Within the Water Tube

Air flows into, and out of, embodiments of the present invention.Inhibiting that flow at different points, stages, and/or in differentmanners, can affect and/or alter the average height of the water withinthe respective water tubes.

6a) Overview of Hyper-Pressurized Embodiment

Embodiment of this type can generate power by:

1) letting air freely enter the water tube when the mass and/orinertia-driven latency of the water inside the water tube causes it torise more slowly than the tube surrounding it as the water level risesin response to an approaching wave crest;

2) when the water level falls in response to an approaching wave trough,pressurizing the air inside the water tube by compressing it between afalling tube (i.e. the falling “ceiling” of the tube) and a rising levelof water inside the tube; and,

3) constraining the pressurized air to leave the water tube through aturbine that extracts power from its out-flow, including but not limitedto its out-flow into an accumulator, thereby directly or indirectlyenergizing a PTO.

Embodiments of this type can use a differential and/or unequal flow ofair in to, and out of, the water tube to drive the air, and itsassociated water level, below the ambient water, and/or the outer waterlevel, thereby increasing the average pressure of the air to an airpressure above that of the ambient atmospheric air.

The level of the water inside the tube is allowed to rise passively asthe embodiment rises. However, it is actively pushed down through thepressurization of the air above it, when the embodiment falls. As aresult of this dynamic, the average level of the water inside the tubecan be lower and/or below that of the average level of the water outsidethe tube (i.e., the mean water level of the body of water on which theembodiment floats, and/or the level that would characterize the body ofwater in the absence of waves).

6b) Overview of Hypo-Pressurized Embodiment

Embodiment of this type can generate power by:

1) when the mass and/or inertia-driven latency of the water inside thewater tube causes it to rise more slowly than the tube surrounding it asthe water level rises in response to an approaching wave crest, and thepressure of the air inside the water tube falls;

2) constraining air to enter the relatively under-pressurized air pocketat the top of the water tube through a turbine that extracts power fromits inflow, thereby energizing a PTO; and,

3) when the water level falls in response to an approaching wave trough,allowing air inside the water tube pressurized by its compressionbetween a falling tube and a rising level of water inside the tube toexit the tube freely.

Embodiments of this type can use a differential and/or unequal flow ofair in to, and out of, the water tube to hold the air, and itsassociated water level, above the ambient water, and/or the outer waterlevel, thereby decreasing the average pressure on the air below that ofthe ambient air.

The level of the water inside the tube is allowed to fall passively asthe embodiment falls. However, it is actively pulled up through thedepressurization of the air above it, when the embodiment rises. As aresult the average level of the water inside the tube can be higherand/or above that of the average level of the water outside the tube(i.e., the mean water level of the body of water on which the embodimentfloats, and/or the level that would characterized the body of water inthe absence of waves).

6c) Neutrally-Pressurized Air Pocket

An embodiment of the present invention compels air to enter and exit thewater tube through a turbine that extracts power from both its inflowand outflow, thereby energizing a PTO. Unlike the “hyper-” and “hypo-”pressurized embodiments discussed above, the water tube of this“neutrally-” pressurized embodiment has an average level of water insideits tube that is approximately equal to the average level of the wateroutside the tube.

Instantiations of these embodiments may utilize separate“uni-directional” turbines for the extraction of power from inflowingand outflowing air, and/or “bi-directional” turbines to extract powerfrom flows of both directions.

7) One-Way Valve

An embodiment of the present invention incorporates, includes, and/orutilizes “one-way vents,” and/or “one-way valves,” i.e., devices and/ormechanisms positioned within, and/or in the path of, a channel thatrespond to higher pressure within the channel on a first side of thevent by allowing air to flow in a first flow direction, at a first rateof flow, from the first higher-pressure side to a lower pressure side;and, conversely, that respond to higher pressure within the channel on asecond, i.e., opposite, side of the valve by allowing air to flow in asecond, i.e., opposite, direction, at a second rate of flow which isless than the first rate of flow (or zero). Typically, and nominally, aone-way valve will only allow air to flow through the respective channelwhen the pressure is relatively higher on one side of the valve, butwill not allow air to flow when the pressure is relatively higher on theother side of the valve.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize “one-way valves” thatare of known types, including, but not limited to, the following types:

ball check valves diaphragm check valves reflux valves Belleville valvesduckbill valves retention valves check valves in-line check valvesstop-check valves clack valves lift-check valves swing check valvesclapper valves non-return valves umbrella valves cross-slit valvespneumatic non-return valves wafer check valves

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments thatincorporate, include, and/or utilize “solid-state check valves”including, but not limited to, those of the “Tesla valve” design.

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments thatincorporate, include, and/or utilize one-way valves that are active,actuated, and/or controlled, including, but not limited to, valves thatare opened and/or closed in response to signals (e.g., electrical,and/or hydraulic signals, as well as those manifested with and/orthrough the movements of cables, struts, and/or rods) generated by acorresponding controller or control circuit. Such a circuit might openor close a connected valve in response to data, readings, and/orsignals, generated by, and/or received from, one or more types ofsensors, including, but not limited to, those related to, and/orsensitive to: pressure, acceleration, capacitance, and/or stress.

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments thatincorporate, include, and/or utilize “one-way valves” that are ofunknown, undocumented, and/or unpublished types, designs, andconfigurations.

Embodiments of the present invention incorporate, include, and/orutilize one or more one-way valves, and the scope of the presentdisclosure includes embodiments that incorporate, include, and/orutilize different numbers, and/or any number, of one-way valves.

8) Variable and/or Adjustable Device Mass

The present invention includes an embodiment in which various “waterballast chambers,” compartments, voids, spaces, and/or containers,within the embodiment may be filled with, and/or emptied of, water toany desired degree, thereby altering the average density of theembodiment, and its average depth (i.e., waterline) in the water onwhich it floats.

By emptying water from one or more of these water ballast chambers, anembodiment can reduce its average density and rise up to a shalloweraverage depth, and/or lower its waterline, thereby projecting its upperportions out of the water and above potentially damaging storm wavesand/or surges.

By adding water to one or more of these water ballast chambers, anembodiment can increase its average density and sink down to a greateraverage depth, and/or raise its waterline, for example, a depth in whichit can become more responsive to the waves passing beneath and/or aroundit, thereby increasing the amount of power it is able to extract fromthose waves.

9) Augmented Mass

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments in which theinherent mass of the embodiments are augmented and/or adjusted, at leastin part, through the addition and/or removal of water from within one ormore chambers or voids within the embodiments, e.g. by a pump or by someother means or mechanism. Such “water ballast” is at least partiallytrapped within the embodiment and its relative position and/ororientation (as a mass) within the embodiment does not tend to changesignificantly even as the embodiment rises, falls, and/or otherwisemoves in response to the action of waves moving across the surface ofthe water on which the embodiment floats.

An embodiment holds water within the embodiment's buoy or buoyantstructure. An embodiment holds water within the hollow wall of its watertube, e.g., within the gap between the water tube's inner wall and itsouter wall wherein the inner wall is a tubular structure approximatelycoaxial with the tubular outer wall. An embodiment holds water within achamber, container, and/or void, adjacent to, and/or embedded within, anupper surface of the buoy, the water tube, and/or another part orportion of the embodiment.

The present invention includes embodiments in which the inherent mass ofthe embodiments are augmented, at least in part, through the addition ofsand, gravel, and/or some other granular or powdered hard materials.This material also includes, but is not limited to, dirt, rocks, crushedcement, bricks, automobiles, and/or other heavy and/or scrap material,e.g., such as discarded or waste materials that are available forrecycling.

The present invention includes embodiments in which the inherent mass ofthe embodiments are augmented, at least in part, through the addition ofcement and/or cementitious materials.

The present invention includes embodiments in which the inherent mass ofthe embodiments are augmented, at least in part, through the addition ofa material that is “loose” and/or able to be shoveled, poured, and/orimported to the embodiment. This can include, but is not limited to,aggregate materials.

10) High-Pressure and Low-Pressure Air Accumulators

The present invention includes embodiments in which the upper portion ofa water tube is separated from the turbine through which high-pressureair is expelled from the embodiment by an “accumulator” in whichhigh-pressure air is trapped, cached, and/or buffered, and from whichhigh-pressure air steadily flows out through an associated turbine. Theflow out of an accumulator will tend to be more constant, and at asteadier rate, than would be possible with a direct, and/or unbuffered,high-pressure flow directly from the air cyclically compressed in thewater tube.

The present invention includes embodiments in which the upper portion ofa water tube is separated from the turbine through which ambient airoutside the embodiment (at atmospheric pressure) is drawn in to theembodiment's water tube through and/or from an “accumulator” in whichair at or below atmospheric pressure is trapped, cached, and/orbuffered, and from which high-pressure air steadily flows out through anassociated turbine. The flow in to such a low-pressure accumulator willtend to be more constant, and at a steadier rate, than would bemanifested by a direct, and/or unbuffered, flow of outside air directlyinto the tube as the air in the tube is cyclically decompressed.

One or more high- and/or low-pressure accumulators may be used by anembodiment to buffer the flow of air into and/or out from the water tubeas the air in that tube is cyclically compressed and decompressed inresponse to the effect of wave action on the embodiment and the waterinside the tube.

An embodiment of the present disclosure has an accumulator that ispositioned within its buoy or buoyant structure. An embodiment has anaccumulator that shares, and/or is in part comprised of, a portion ofthe outer-most wall of its buoy or buoyant structure, e.g., a wall thatis in contact with the air and/or water outside the buoy. An embodimenthas an accumulator that shares a portion of the inner-most wall of itswater tube, e.g., a wall that is in contact with the water inside theair and/or water tube. An embodiment of the present disclosure has anaccumulator that is positioned upon or embedded within an upper wall ofits buoy or buoyant structure.

The scope of the present disclosure includes embodiments that have oneor more high- and/or low-pressure accumulators attached to, positionedor embedded within, and/or in any way connected to, the embodiment.

11) Cement Reinforced Tube Walls

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a water tube iscomprised of an internal wall, e.g., made of steel, and an outside wall,e.g., also made of steel, and a gap that is filled, at least in part,with concrete and/or another cementitious material.

12) Truss Reinforced Tubes

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a water tube isstructurally reinforced and/or strengthened by an exterior truss.Another embodiment includes a water tube is structurally reinforcedand/or strengthened by an interior truss, e.g., a truss within aconcrete-filled gap between interior and exterior tube walls, and/or atruss within the lumen, conduit, aperture, and/or channel, through whichwater and/or air flow.

13) Flexible Water Tubes

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a water tube is,at least in part, not entirely rigid.

An embodiment has a water tube comprised, at least in part, of:

a flexible tube;

two or more rigid tube segments that are conjoined, interconnected,and/or linked, by means of flexible joints, and/or connectors;

a flexible material utilizing rigid circumferential bands to prevent thecollapse of the tube while permitting it to bend with respect to itslongitudinal axis and a limiting maximal bend radius;

an accordion-like extensible material that both allows the tube to flexalong its longitudinal axis and allows its length to increase anddecrease through flexes of the accordion-like pleats that define itswalls.

14) Buoyant Tubes

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a water tubeincorporates, includes, and/or contains, buoyant material, i.e.,material that has a density less than the water on which the embodimentfloats, and that tends to reduce the average density of the embodiment.

15) On-Board Computing

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a plurality ofcomputers perform computational tasks that are not directly related tothe operation, navigation, inspection, monitoring, and/or diagnosis, ofthe embodiment, its power take-off, and/or any other component, feature,attribute, and/or characteristic of its structure, systems, sub-systems,and/or physical embodiment. Such an embodiment may contain computers,computing systems, computational systems, servers, computing networks,data processing systems, and/or information processing systems, that arecomprised of, but not limited to, the following modules, components,sub-systems, hardware, circuits, electronics, and/or modules:

graphics processing units (GPUs)

computer processing units (CPUs)

tensor processing units (TPUs)

hard drives

flash drives

solid-state drives (SSDs)

random access memory (RAM)

field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)

application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)

network switches, and

network routers.

Such an embodiment may contain computers, computing systems,computational systems, servers, computing networks, data processingsystems, and/or information processing systems, that are powered, atleast in part, from electrical energy extracted by the embodiment fromthe energy of ocean waves.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers incorporating CPUs, CPU-cores,inter-connected logic gates, ASICs, ASICs dedicated to the mining ofcryptocurrencies, RAM, flash drives, SSDs, hard disks, GPUs, quantumchips, optoelectronic circuits, analog computing circuits, encryptioncircuits, and/or decryption circuits.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers specialized and/or optimized withrespect to the computation, and/or types of computation, characteristicof, but not limited to: machine learning, neural networks,cryptocurrency mining, graphics processing, graphics rendering, imageobject recognition and/or classification, image rendering, quantumcomputing, quantum computing simulation, physics simulation, financialanalysis and/or prediction, and/or artificial intelligence.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers that may at least approximatelyconform to the characteristics typically ascribed to, but not limitedto: “blade servers,” “rack-mounted computers and/or servers,” and/orsupercomputers.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, at least 100 computing circuits and/or CPUs.Some incorporate, utilize, energize, and/or operate, at least 1,000computing circuits and/or CPUs. Some incorporate, utilize, energize,and/or operate, at least 2,000 computing circuits and/or CPUs. Someincorporate, utilize, energize, and/or operate, at least 5,000 computingcircuits and/or CPUs. Some incorporate, utilize, energize, and/oroperate, at least 10,000 computing circuits and/or CPUs.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure utilize computing chipsand/or circuits that contain two or more CPUs and/or computing “cores”per chip and/or per circuit.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure utilize computing chipsand/or circuits that contain a graphics processing unit (GPU) within thechips and/or within a computing circuit.

16) Low-Power and/or Passive Cooling of Computers

Much, if not all, of the energy imparted to computational devices withinan embodiment of the present disclosure will become heat. And, excessivelevels of heat might damage or impair those computational devices.Therefore, it is prudent for an embodiment to remove heat from its“active” computational devices as quickly and/or efficiently aspossible, and/or quickly enough to avoid excessive heating of thecomputational devices.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate the passiveconvective cooling of at least some of their computational devices,and/or of the ambient environments of those computation devices. Someembodiments of the present disclosure actively remove heat from theircomputational devices, and/or from the ambient environments of thosecomputational devices.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure passively cool theircomputing devices by facilitating the convective and/or conductivetransmission of heat from the computing devices and/or their environmentto the water on which the device floats, e.g. through a thermallyconductive wall, and/or fins or heat baffles, separating the devicesfrom the water.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure passively cool theircomputing devices by facilitating the convective and/or conductivetransmission of heat from the computing devices and/or their environmentto the air above the water on which the device floats, e.g. through athermally conductive wall, and/or fins or heat baffles, separating thedevices from the air.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure actively cool their computingdevices by means of a heat exchanger that absorbs heat from thecomputing devices and/or their environment, and carries it to a heatexchanger in thermal contact with the water on which the device floatsand/or the air above that water. Such thermal contact may be the resultof direct exposure of the exchanger with the air and/or water, or it maybe the result of indirect exposure of the exchanger with the air and/orwater by means of the exchanger's direct contact with a wall or othersurface in direct or indirect contact with the air and/or water.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure passively cool theircomputing devices, and/or of the ambient environments of their computingdevices, by providing a thermally conductive connection between thecomputing devices and the water on which the embodiments float and/orthe air outside the embodiments. Some embodiments promote thisconduction of heat from the computing devices to the ambient waterand/or air by using “fins” and/or other means of increasing and/ormaximizing the surface area of the conductive surface in contact withthe water and/or air. Some embodiments promote this conduction of heatfrom the computing devices to the ambient water by using copper and/orcopper/nickel heatsink poles and/or plates extending into the waterand/or air outside the embodiments, and/or into the chamber(s) in whichat least a portion of the embodiment's computing devices are located.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are positioned within sealedchambers containing air, nitrogen, and/or another gas or gases. Someembodiments of the present disclosure are positioned within chambersinto which air, nitrogen, and/or another gas or gases, are pumped.

Because a computing device operating in an air environment (e.g. insidea compartment or module on and/or within an embodiment of the presentdisclosure) may not transmit heat with sufficient efficiency to preventand/or preclude an overheating of the computing device, the use, by someembodiments, of a thermally conductive fluid and/or gas to facilitatethe passage of heat from the various components (e.g. the CPUs) withinthe computing devices to the ambient air or water proximate to theembodiment may reduce the risk of overheating, damaging, and/ordestroying some, if not all, of the computing devices therein.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure promote the conduction ofheat from their computing devices to the ambient air and/or water byimmersing, surrounding, bathing, and/or spraying, the computing deviceswith and/or in a thermally conductive fluid and/or gas. The thermallyconductive fluid and/or gas is ideally not electrically conductive, asthis might tend to short-circuit, damage, and/or destroy, the computingdevices. The thermally conductive fluid and/or gas ideally has a highheat capacity that allows it to absorb substantial heat withoutexperiencing a substantial increase in its own temperature. Thethermally conductive fluid and/or gas carries at least a portion of theheat generated and/or produced by at least some of the computing devicesto one or more other thermally conductive interfaces and/or conduitsthrough which at least a portion of the heat may pass from the fluidand/or gas to the ambient air or water proximate to the embodiment.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved “buffering”of the heat that they absorb from their respective computing devices,while that heat is being transmitted to the surrounding air and/or waterthrough their use of, and/or surrounding of at least some of theirrespective computing devices with, a fluid that boils from a fluid intoa gas within the operational temperature range between that of theexternal water/air and that of the high-temperature surfaces of thecomputing circuits around which the fluid is disposed.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may cool its computing systems,and/or other heat-generating components and/or systems, by means,systems, modules, components, and/or devices, the include, but are notlimited to, the following:

closed-circuit heat exchangers that transfer heat from the source to aheat sink (e.g., the air or water around an embodiment), wherein atleast one end of the closed-circuit heat exchanger is:

in contact with an interior water-facing wall

in contact with an interior air-facing wall

incorporates ribs to increase the surface area in contact with water

and/or in contact with air

positioned inside a duct, tube, and/or channel, of an OWC

in contact with a duct, tube, and/or channel, of an OWC

mounting of computing modules:

in air and/or in water

against interior walls facing air and/or water

wherein the mounting chamber or location incorporates ribs

within spires projecting up from deck

within spires projecting down into water

A significant advantage of embodiments of the present disclosure is thata large number of computing devices can be deployed in such a way (i.e.within a large number of embodiments) that a relatively large number ofcomputing devices are partitioned into relatively small groups, which,in addition to being powered, at least in part, by the energy availablein the environment proximate to each embodiment, are also immediatelyadjacent, and/or proximate, to a heat sink characterized by a relativelycool temperature and a relatively large heat capacity, i.e. the sea, andthe wind that flows above it. By deploying relatively small numbers ofcomputing devices in self-powered and passively cooled autonomous units,environmental energy is used with maximal efficiency (e.g. withoutsuffering the losses and costs associated with transmitting the power toshore), and requisite cooling is accomplished with minimal, if any,expenditure of energy. Embodiments of current disclosure permit agraceful and efficient scaling of computing and/or computing networksthrough the iterative fabrication and deployment of relatively simpleand cost-effective self-powered, self-cooling, computing modules.

By contrast, the concentration of larger numbers of computing devices,e.g. the number of computing devices that might be associated withhundreds or thousands of embodiments of the present disclosure, requiresthat power be generated remotely and transmitted to the concentratedcollection(s) of computing devices, thereby increasing costs andincidental losses of energy, and requires that a relatively large andconcentrated amount of heat be actively and energetically removed fromthe “mass(es)” of computing devices, concentrated in a relatively smallspace, and/or volume, by means typically requiring significantexpenditure of capital and additional energy.

The present invention includes embodiments in which pluralities ofcomputers, computing systems, computational systems, servers, computingnetworks, data processing systems, and/or information processingsystems, incorporated therein, are cooled by methods, mechanisms,processes, systems, modules, and/or devices, that include, but are notlimited to, the following:

direct conduction of at least a portion of the heat generated by atleast some of the computers, generators, rectifiers, and/or otherelectronic components comprising the embodiment, to air and/or watersurrounding the embodiment;

indirect conduction of at least a portion of the heat generated by atleast some of the computers, generators, rectifiers, and/or otherelectronic components comprising the embodiment, to the air surroundingthe embodiment by means of one or more heat exchangers, at least oneelement of which is in contact with air and/or water surrounding theembodiment;

indirect conduction of at least a portion of the heat generated by atleast some of the computers, generators, rectifiers, and/or otherelectronic components comprising the embodiment, to the air and/or watersurrounding the embodiment by means of phase-changing material, e.g., aliquid that changes phases to a gas when it has absorbed heat from atleast some of the computers, generators, rectifiers, and/or otherelectronic components comprising the embodiment, and changes phases backto a liquid, e.g., condenses, when it has transferred at least a portionof that heat energy to a surface through which the heat energy willdirectly or indirectly be conducted to the air and/or water surroundingthe embodiment.

17) Applicable Types of Computing Tasks

Computing tasks of an arbitrary nature are supported, as is theincorporation and/or utilization of computing circuits specialized forthe execution of specific types of computing tasks, such as the “mining”of cryptocurrencies. And, each buoy's receipt of a computational task,and its return of a computational result, may be accomplished throughthe transmission of data across satellite links, fiber optic cables, LANcables, radio, modulated light, microwaves, and/or any other channel,link, connection, and/or network. Systems and methods are disclosed forparallelizing computationally intensive tasks across multiple buoys.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers organized, interconnected,controlled, and/or configured, so as to optimize the loading, execution,and reporting of results, related to arbitrary computational tasks.

These types of arbitrary computational tasks might be typical ofservices that execute programs for others, and/or provide computationalresources with which others may execute their own programs, often inexchange for a fee based on attributes of the tasks and/or resourcesused, that might include, but would not be limited to: size (e.g. inbytes) of program and/or data executed, size (e.g. in bytes) of datacreated during program execution and/or returned to the owner of theprogram, number of computing cycles (number of computational operations)consumed during program execution, amounts of RAM, and/or hard diskspace, utilized during program execution, other computing resources,such as GPUs, required for program execution, and the amount ofelectrical power consumed during and/or by a program's execution.

Embodiments optimized to perform arbitrary computational tasks mightutilize “disk-free computing devices” in conjunction with “storage areanetworks” so as to utilize memory and/or data storage components and/ordevices more efficiently.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers organized, interconnected,controlled, and/or configured, so as to optimize the loading, execution,and reporting of results, related to “cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin)mining,” i.e. to the calculation of cryptocurrency ledgers, and theidentification of suitable ledger-specific “nonce” values (e.g. thesearch for a “golden nonce”), and/or related to the loading, execution,and reporting of results, related to other “proof of work” programs. Thecomputers, and/or computing resources, of some embodiments are optimizedto perform hash functions so as to calculate “proof of work” values forblockchain-related algorithms.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers organized, interconnected,controlled, and/or configured, so as to optimize the loading, execution,and reporting of results, related to neural networks and/or artificiallyintelligent programs. Some embodiments will facilitate the cooperativeexecution of programs related to neural networks and/or artificiallyintelligent programs through the direct, physical, and/or virtual,interconnection of their internal networks and/or computing devices.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers organized, interconnected,controlled, and/or configured, so as to optimize the loading, execution,and reporting of results, related to the serving of web pages and/orsearch results.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers organized, interconnected,controlled, and/or configured, so as to optimize the loading, execution,and reporting of results, related to the solving of “n-body problems,”the simulation of brains, gene matching, and solving “radarcross-section problems.”

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, computers organized, interconnected,controlled, and/or configured, so as to optimize the loading, execution,and reporting of results, consistent with the functionality provided by“terminal servers,” colocation servers and/or services, and/or toprovide offsite backups for enterprises.

18) Types of Computing Task Management

An embodiment of the present disclosure receives a task from a remotesource and/or server. An embodiment receives a task from a radio and/orelectromagnetically-encoded transmission broadcast by a satellite (e.g.which a plurality of other devices also receive and/or are able toreceive) or other remote antenna. An embodiment receives a task acrossand/or via a transmission across a fiber-optic cable. An embodimentreceives a task across and/or via a transmission across a LAN and/orEthernet cable.

An embodiment adds a task received via an electromagnetically-encodedsignal to a task queue of pending tasks if:

it possesses, incorporates, and/or operates, all of the hardwarerequired to complete and/or execute the task efficiently;

there is sufficient room in its task queue;

there is a sufficient likelihood that it will be able to complete thetask no later than any deadline associated with the task; and,

the estimated duration of the task's execution is no more than thelikely operational time available to the device (e.g. given currentenergy reserves, current power generation levels, etc.).

An embodiment begins execution of a task, it marks the task as“in-progress” and sets a “timeout” value, after which the task will berestarted if not yet complete.

In an embodiment, when the embodiment determines that the level of itspower generation has decreased, and the continued and/or continuousoperation of its currently “active” computing devices and/or circuitscan no longer be sustained, then it stops execution of a sufficientnumber of its most-recently started computational tasks, and/or thosetasks with the greatest estimated remaining execution times, and powersdown the corresponding computing devices and/or circuits, so that, forinstance, there will remain sufficient power to complete the computationof the remaining tasks using the still-active computing devices and/orcircuits.

An embodiment transmits the results of a completed task to a remotesource and/or server (e.g. the remote source and/or server from whichthe task originated). After receipt and/or validation of thecompleted-task results, the remote source and/or server broadcasts toall of the devices which (would have been expected to have) received thenow-completed task, a message and/or signal to indicate that the taskhas been completed. Each of the devices receiving the “task-completed”message and/or signal then removes that task from its task queue, andterminates execution of the task if the execution of the task is inprogress.

An embodiment facilitates the receipt of the same task by a plurality ofdevices, each of which may elect to place the task in its respectivetask queue, and/or to execute the task when sufficient computingresources and/or energy are available.

In addition to the results of a task, an embodiment also returns to aremote source and/or server, information that is sufficient to allow thebenefactor of the task's execution to be charged and/or billed an amountof money consistent with a payment contract. Such “billing-relevantinformation” might include, but is not limited to, the following:

size (e.g. in bytes) of the program executed;

size (e.g. in bytes) of the results generated;

amount (e.g. in bytes) of RAM required to complete the program'sexecution;

number of instruction cycles required to complete the program'sexecution;

number of CPUs required to complete the program's execution;

number and/or cycles required of GPUs to complete the program'sexecution;

amount of energy (e.g. kWh) expended to complete the execution of theprogram;

degree of requested task priority that influenced priority of taskexecution;

degree and/or percentage of available computing resources busy withother tasks at time of task execution (e.g. level of demand at time oftask execution);

amount of task-results data (e.g. in bytes) returned to the remotesource and/or server;

cost for satellite bandwidth consumed (e.g. bytes) and/or required inorder to transmit task and associated data to device; and/or

cost for satellite bandwidth consumed (e.g. bytes) and/or required inorder to transmit task results to remote source and/or server.

An embodiment of the present disclosure sends task-execution-specificdata, messages, and/or signals, to a remote source and/or server whichindicate, among other things:

which tasks are waiting in a task queue;

which tasks are being executed;

estimated time remaining to complete execution of tasks being executed;

an estimate of the amount of energy required to complete tasks beingexecuted;

an estimate of the rate of electrical power generation;

an estimate of the amount of shared memory required to complete tasksbeing executed;

and an estimate of the amount of shared memory currently available.

A global task controlling and/or coordinating computer and/or server mayuse such task-execution-specific data in order to forecast which tasksare likely to be successfully completed by a future time. And, if thelikelihood of a particular task's completion by a future time issufficiently great then other devices notified at an earlier time of thetask, and potentially storing the task in their respective task queues,may be notified of that task's likely completion by a device. Thoseother devices may then elect to reduce the priority of the task, or toremove it from their task queues.

19) Types of Computing Task Processing

Some embodiments of the present disclosure execute encrypted programsand/or data for which a decryption key, algorithm, and/or parameter, isnot available, nor accessible, to other tasks, programs, and/orcomputing circuits and/or devices, on the respective embodiments. Someembodiments of the present disclosure execute encrypted programs and/ordata for which a decryption key, algorithm, and/or parameter, is notavailable, nor accessible, to an embodiment device, nor to the remotesource(s) and/or server(s) which transmitted the encrypted programand/or data to the device.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure simultaneously execute two ormore encrypted programs that are encrypted with different encryptionkeys, algorithms, and/or parameters, and must be decrypted withdifferent decryption keys, algorithms, and/or parameters.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a plurality of CPUsand/or computing circuits to independently, and/or in parallel, execute(copies of) the same program, operating on (copies of) the same dataset, wherein each execution will nominally and/or typically produceidentical task results.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise multiple buoys eachcontaining a plurality of CPUs and/or computing circuits, wherein aplurality of CPUs and/or computing circuits on a first buoy, and aplurality of CPUs and/or computing circuits on a second buoy, allsimultaneously: execute in parallel (copies of) the same program;operate on (copies of) the same data set; search for a “golden nonce”value for the same cryptocurrency block and/or blockchain block; performin parallel the same computational task; or perform in parallel adivide-and-conquer algorithm pertaining to the same computational task.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a plurality of CPUsand/or computing circuits to execute the same program, operating on thesame data set, in a parallelized fashion wherein each individual CPUand/or computing circuit will execute the program with respect to aportion of the full data set, thereby contributing piecemeal to thecomplete execution of the task.

20) Types of Data Transmission

Some embodiments of the present disclosure communicate data to and froma remote and/or terrestrial digital data network and/or internet, and/orexchange data with other computers and/or networks remote from theembodiment, and/or not physically attached to, nor incorporated within,the embodiment, by means of “indirect network communication links” whichinclude, but are not limited to:

satellite, Wi-Fi, radio, microwave, modulated light (e.g. laser, LED),“quantum-data-sharing network” (e.g., in which quantum entangled atoms,photons, atomic particles, quantum particles, etc., are systematicallyaltered so as to transmit data from one point [e.g., the location of oneparticle] to another point [e.g., the location of another particle]), aswell as:

fiber-optic cable(s), LAN cable(s), Ethernet cable(s), and/or otherelectrical and/or optical cables.

Some free-floating embodiments of the present disclosure, as well assome anchored and/or moored embodiments that are not directly connectedto land by means of a cable, utilize one or more indirect networkcommunication links, including, but not limited to: satellite, Wi-Fi,radio, microwave, modulated light (e.g. laser, LED).

Some embodiments of the present disclosure which communicate with otherdevices and/or terrestrial data transmission and/or exchange networkstransmit data to a remote receiver by means of modulated light (e.g.laser or LED) which is limited to one or more specific wavelengthsand/or ranges of wavelengths. The sensitivity of the remote receiver isthen improved through the receiver's use of complementary filter(s) toexclude wavelengths of light outside the one or more specificwavelengths and/or ranges of wavelengths used by the transmittingembodiment. A remote receiver might utilize multiple suchwavelength-specific filters, e.g. utilize one at a time, so as to limitand/or discriminate its receipt of data to that transmitted from one ormore specific remote sources at a time and/or from among many suchremote sources, each of which, and/or each subset of which, utilizes aspecific wavelength(s) and/or range(s) of wavelengths.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure exchange data withneighboring and/or proximate other and/or complementary devices throughthe use of one or more types and/or channels of data communicationand/or transmission, e.g. Wi-Fi, modulated light, radio, and/ormicrowave, while exchanging data with remote computer(s) and/ornetwork(s) (e.g. the internet) through the use of one or more otherand/or different types and/or channels of data communication and/ortransmission, e.g. satellite.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure exchange data withneighboring and/or proximate other and/or complementary devices, and/orremote and/or terrestrial computers and/or networks, through data passedto, from, through, and/or between, aerial drones, surface water drones,underwater drones, balloon-suspended transmitter/receiver modules,devices, or systems, manned planes, boats, and/or submarines.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure exchange data withneighboring and/or proximate other and/or complementary devices, and/orremote and/or terrestrial computers and/or networks, through data passedto, from, through, and/or between, underwater transmitter/receivermodules, devices, or systems drifting on, and/or in, the body of water,and/or modules, devices, or systems resting on, and/or attached to, theseafloor, by means including, but not limited to, the generation,detection, encoding, and/or decoding, of acoustic signals, sounds,and/or data.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure receive “global”transmissions of data from a remote and/or terrestrial computer and/ornetwork via one channel, frequency, wavelength, and/or amplitudemodulation, broadcast by a satellite, radio, microwave, modulated light,and/or other means of electro-magnetic data transmission. Some of theseembodiments transmit device-specific, and/or device-group-specific (e.g.two or more “cooperating” devices, two or more devices whosedevice-specific computer(s) and/or computer network(s) are linked, e.g.by Wi-Fi), on other and/or different channels, frequencies, wavelengths,and/or amplitude modulations, to a compatible and/or complementaryreceiver on a satellite, and/or other receiver of radio, microwave,modulated light, and/or other means of electro-magnetic datatransmissions.

In some deployments of some embodiments of the present disclosure, asatellite will broadcast to a plurality of the deployed devices, on achannel and/or frequency shared by many, if not all, of the devices in adeployment, information including, but not limited to: data, tasks,requests for information (e.g. status of tasks, geolocation of a deviceor group of devices, amount(s) of energy available for computationaltasks and/or for locomotion, amount of electrical power being generatedin response to the current wave conditions of a device and/or group ofdevices, status of computational hardware and/or networks, e.g. how manydevices are fully functional and/or how many are non-functional, statusof power-generating hardware and/or associated electrical and/or powercircuits, e.g. how many power take-off assemblies and/or generators arefully functional and/or how many are non-functional, how many energystorage components (e.g. batteries) are fully functional and/or how manyare non-functional, etc.).

In some deployments of some embodiments of the present disclosure, asatellite will broadcast to a specific deployed device, and/or subset orgroup of deployed devices, on a channel and/or frequency specific to thedevice, and/or subset or group of deployed devices, informationincluding, but not limited to: device- or group-specific data (e.g.which range of cryptocurrency nonce values to evaluate), device- orgroup-specific tasks (such as which types of observation to prioritize,e.g. submarines), requests for information (e.g. wave conditions atlocation of device), etc.

In some deployments of some embodiments of the present disclosure, eachdevice, or subset of devices, will broadcast to a satellite on a channeland/or frequency specific to the device, or subset of devices, (i.e. andnot shared by other devices in a deployment) information including, butnot limited to: data, task results (e.g. cryptocurrency ledgers andcorresponding nonce values), requests for information (e.g. new tasks,weather and/or wave forecasts for a given geolocation, results ofself-diagnostics on hardware, software, memory integrity, etc., statusof computational hardware and/or networks, e.g. how many devices arefully functional and/or how many are non-functional, status ofpower-generating hardware and/or associated electrical and/or powercircuits, e.g. how many power take-off assemblies and/or generators arefully functional and/or how many are non-functional, how many energystorage components (e.g. batteries) are fully functional and/or how manyare non-functional, observations (e.g. visual, audio, radar) ofaircraft, observations of other floating vessels, observations ofsubmarines, observations of marine life, observations of weather and/orwave conditions, environmental sensor readings, etc.).

21) Antennas

Some embodiments of the present disclosure use one or more antennas,and/or one or more arrays of antennas, to facilitate communication,coordination, and/or the transfer of data, with a land-based receiver,one or more other embodiments and/or instances of the same embodiment,boats, submarines, buoys, airborne drones, surface water drones,submerged drones, satellites, and/or other receivers and/or transmittersutilizing one or more antennas.

There are embodiments of the present disclosure that utilize types ofantennas including, but not limited to, the following:

parasitic antennas including, but not limited to:

Yagi-Uda antennas

Quad antennas

wire antennas

loop antennas

dipole antennas

half-wave dipole antennas

odd multiple half-wave dipole antennas

short dipole antennas

monopole antennas

electrically small loop antennas

electrically large loop antennas

log periodic antennas

bow-tie antennas

travelling wave antennas including, but not limited to:

helical antennas

Yagi-Uda antennas

microwave antennas including, but not limited to:

rectangular micro-strip antennas

planar inverted-F antennas

reflector antennas including, but not limited to:

corner reflector antennas

parabolic reflector antennas

multi-band antennas

separate transmission and receiving antennas

There are embodiments of the present disclosure that utilize types ofantenna arrays including, but not limited to, the following:

driven arrays including, but not limited to:

arrays of helical antennas

broadside arrays including, but not limited to:

collinear arrays

planar arrays including, but not limited to:

those composed of unidirectional antennas

reflective arrays including, but not limited to:

half-wave dipole antennas in front of a reflecting screen

curtain arrays

microstrip antennas

(e.g., comprised of arrays of patch antennas)

phased arrays including, but not limited to:

those with analog and/or digital beamforming

those with crossed dipoles

passive electronically scanned arrays

active electronically scanned arrays

low-profile and/or conformal arrays

smart antennas, reconfigurable antennas, and/or adaptive arrays inwhich:

a receiving array that estimates the direction of arrival of

the radio waves and electronically optimizes the radiation

pattern adaptively to receive it, synthesizing a main lobe in

that direction

endfire arrays including, but not limited to:

log periodic dipole arrays

parasitic arrays including, but not limited to:

endfire arrays consisting of multiple antenna elements in a line

of which only one is a driven element

(i.e., connected to a transmitter or receiver)

log periodic dipole arrays

Yagi-Uda antennas

Quad antennas

A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure incorporates on anupper deck and/or surface of its buoy a phased array utilizing digitalbeamforming, and also optionally utilizing gyroscopes and/oraccelerometers to track changes in the orientation of the embodiment'sbuoy in order to reduce the latency between such changes andcorresponding corrections to the gain and/or directionality of thephased array's beam, e.g., to preserve an optimal beam orientation withrespect to a satellite.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure incorporates on an upperdeck of its buoy a phased array transmitting and receivingelectromagnetic radiation of at least two frequencies, wherein thebeamwidth of a first frequency is significantly greater, than thebeamwidth of a second frequency. Such an embodiment uses the beam of thefirst frequency to localize and track a target receiver and/ortransmitter, e.g., a satellite, and to adjust the angular orientationand/or beamwidth of the beam of the second frequency so as to optimizethe second beam's gain with respect to the target receiver and/ortransmitter.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure incorporates dipoleantennas attached to the periphery of the buoy and orientedapproximately radially about the periphery of the embodiment's deck(with respect to a vertical longitudinal axis of the embodiment and/orits buoy). The dipoles benefit from the proximate ground plane createdby the sea and its surface, wherein the sea and/or its surface reflectupward any beam lobe that might have otherwise been directed downward,thus increasing the gain of the upward beam.

22) Phased Arrays

A preferred embodiment utilizes a phased array of antennas, e.g., dipoleantennas, arrayed across an upper surface of the embodiment, e.g., thedeck of the embodiment's buoy. A phased array deployed across such abroad and/or expansive array provides the embodiment with theopportunity to achieve a highly resolved directionality and asignificant and/or optimized degree of signal gain.

A phased array deployed across a broad, nominally horizontal uppersurface of an embodiment permits optimized signal strength,signal-to-noise ratio, and data exchange, with respect toelectromagnetically-mediated communications and/or exchanges of signalsand/or data with a satellite. Such a capability is useful to aself-propelled embodiment that executes computing tasks received from aremote computer or computing network by satellite, and that returnscomputing results to a remote computer or computing network bysatellite.

A phased array deployed across a broad, nominally vertical lateralsurface of an embodiment, e.g., such as one or more sides of anembodiment's buoy portion, can facilitate an embodiment's communicationsand/or to exchanges of data with remote antennas, e.g., those of otherdevices and/or terrestrial antennas, and with any associated and/orlinked computers or computing networks. Such remote antennas might beassociated with, and/or integrated within, a variety of systems,stations, and/or locations, including, but not limited to: terrestrialstations, airborne drones, ocean-going surface drone vessels,ocean-going submerged drone vessels, piloted aircraft, and satellites.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize, phased arrays in whichthe individual antennas of which they are comprised have any orientationrelative to a respective embodiment, and have any orientation withrespect to one another (e.g., parallel, normal, radial, random, etc.).Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to,those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize, phased arrays comprisedof any number of individual and/or constituent antennas, and/or ofantennas of any size. Embodiments of the present invention include, butare not limited to, those that incorporate, include, and/or utilize,phased arrays characterized by, and/or capable of, any transmissionpower, signal strength, and/or gain, and/or any degree of signalamplification with respect to received signals.

23) Power Management

An embodiment of the present disclosure stores at least a portion of theelectrical energy (and/or another form of energy) that it extracts fromambient waves in an energy storage device, component, and/or system.Embodiments of the present disclosure include, incorporate, and/orutilize, energy storage devices, components, and/or systems, including,but not limited to:

batteries,

capacitors, and

fuel cells, e.g., that generate and consume hydrogen as an energy store.

An embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes at least a portion ofthe energy that it stores in order to provide approximately steadyand/or continuous electrical power to at least a portion of thecomputers and/or computer networks contained therein. An embodiment ofthe present disclosure responds to a diminution and/or reduction in therate at which it produces and/or generates electrical power (e.g., inresponse to suboptimal wave conditions) by incrementally shutting downcomputers and/or computer networks therein, preferably only after savingthe intermediate data and state of each computer and/or memory module.An embodiment of the present disclosure responds to a resumption and/orreturn of the rate at which it produces and/or generates electricalpower (e.g., in response to a resumption of optimal wave conditions) byincrementally turning on computers and/or computer networks therein.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure activate and deactivatesubsets of their computers, thereby changing and/or adjusting the numberand/or percentage of their computers that are active at any given time,in response to changes in wave conditions, and/or changes in the amountof electrical power generated by the power takeoffs of their respectivedevices, so as to match the amount of power being consumed by thecomputers to the amount being generated.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, and/or utilizecomponents and/or mechanism, including, but not limited to: batteries,capacitors, springs, components, features, circuits, devices, processes,and/or chemical fuel (e.g. hydrogen) generators and storage mechanisms.These energy storage mechanisms permit the embodiments to store, atleast for a short time (e.g. 10-20 seconds), at least a portion of theelectrical and/or mechanical energy generated by the embodiment inresponse to wave motion. Such energy storage may have the beneficialeffect of integrating and/or smoothing the generated electrical power.

Some embodiments, when tethered to other devices, may further stabilizetheir own energy supplies, as well as helping to stabilize the energysupplies of other tethered devices, by sharing electrical energy,batteries, capacitors, and/or other energy storage means, components,and/or systems, and/or by sharing and/or distributing generated power,across a shared, common, and/or networked power bus and/or grid. Thiscapability and deployment scenario will facilitate the ability of sometethered collections and/or farms of devices to potentially utilize asmaller total number of batteries, capacitors, and/or other energystorage means, components, and/or systems, since the sharing of suchcomponents, systems, and/or reserves will tend to reduce the amount ofenergy that any one device will need to store in order to achieve acertain level of stability with respect to local variations in generatedpower and/or computing requirements.

Such energy storage, especially if a sufficiently great amount of energymay be thus stored, may allow a device to continue powering a totalnumber of computers than could be directly powered by any instantaneouslevel of generated electrical power. For example, an embodiment able tostore enough power to energize all of its computers for a day in theabsence of waves, may be able to avoid reducing its number of activecomputers during a “lull” in the waves, and continue energizing themuntil the waves resume.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure apply, consume, utilize,and/or apply, at least 50% of the electrical power that they generate toenergize, power, and/or operate, their respective computing devicesand/or circuitry. Some embodiments of the present disclosure apply,consume, utilize, and/or apply, at least 90% of the electrical powerthat they generate to energize, power, and/or operate, their respectivecomputing devices and/or circuitry. Some embodiments of the presentdisclosure apply, consume, utilize, and/or apply, at least 99% of theelectrical power that they generate to energize, power, and/or operate,their respective computing devices and/or circuitry.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate, utilize,energize, and/or operate, with a “power usage effectiveness” (PUE) of nomore than 1.1. Some embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate,utilize, energize, and/or operate, with a “power usage effectiveness”(PUE) of no more than 1.01. Some embodiments of the present disclosureincorporate, utilize, energize, and/or operate, with a “power usageeffectiveness” (PUE) of no more than 1.001.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure turn at least a portion oftheir respective computing devices on and off so as to at leastapproximately match the amount of electrical power being generated bythe embodiments, and/or the rate at which the embodiments are extractingenergy from the waves that buffet them.

The power profile of certain embodiments of a wave energy converter canbe irregular, i.e. it can generate large amounts of power for a fewseconds, followed by a pause of a few seconds when no power isgenerated. ASIC chips designed to computing hash values for the “mining”of cryptocurrencies can typically compute many millions of hash valuesper second. In some embodiments, energy control circuits turn on andenergize ASICs and/or CPUs when the wave energy converter is generatingpower, and de-energize ASICs when the wave energy converter is notgenerating power. In some embodiments, energy control circuits energizea quantity of ASICs that corresponds and/or is proportional to theamount of power the wave energy converter is presently generating. Inthis manner, the amount of required power storage and/or bufferingequipment can be reduced. In some embodiments, computing circuitry isenergized and de-energized on a second-by-second basis. In someembodiments, it is energized and de-energized on a millisecond bymillisecond basis.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure turn at least a portion oftheir respective computing devices on and off so as to at leastapproximately match the amount of electrical power that their owncomputers forecast and/or estimate that they will generate at a futuretime. Some embodiments of the present disclosure turn at least a portionof their respective computing devices on and off so as to at leastapproximately match the amount of electrical power that has beenforecast and/or estimated by a computer on another device, and/or on acomputer at another remote location, that they will generate at a futuretime.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure select those tasks that theywill attempt to compute and/or execute so as to at least approximatelymatch the amount of future computing power and/or computing capacity,and/or the amount of time, required to complete those tasks will atleast approximately match a forecast and/or estimated of computingpower, and/or operational time, that will be available to the embodimentat a future time.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure, when deployed within a farmconfiguration in which the devices are collectively electricallyconnected to one or more terrestrial and/or other sources of electricalpower, may, e.g. when their power generation exceeds their computingpower requirements, send excess generated electrical power to shore.Conversely, devices deployed in such a farm configuration, in which thedevices are collectively electrically connected to one or moreterrestrial and/or other sources of electrical power, may, when theircomputing demands require more electrical energy than can be providedthrough the conversion of wave energy (e.g. when waves are small), drawenergy from those one or more terrestrial sources of power so as tocontinue computing and/or recharge their energy reserves.

24) Types of Inter-Device Data Sharing

Some embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate communication,coordination, and/or the transfer of data, between two or more of theirrespective computing devices and/or circuits by means of a commondistributed network, e.g. Ethernet, TCP/IP.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate communication,coordination, and/or the transfer of data, between the computers,circuits, and/or internal and/or physical networks on, and/orincorporated within, two or more devices by means of virtual and/orelectromagnetic network connections and/or links, e.g. WAN, Wi-Fi,satellite-mediated, radio, microwave, and/or modulated light. Thedevices of such embodiments share data, programs, and/or otherwisecooperate, without the benefit of a physical network connection.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure transmit, receive, transfer,share, and/or exchange, data by means of acoustic and/or electricalsignals transmitted through the seawater on which they float. Byinducing localized sounds, acoustic signals, electrical currents, and/orelectrical charges, within the seawater that surrounds it, an embodimentcan create acoustic and/or electrical signals in the seawater thattravel through the seawater, and/or radiate away from the device withinthe seawater, and can be detected and/or received by one or more othersimilar devices. In this way, a two-way exchange of data, as well asbroadcasts of data from one device to many others, can be completed,executed, and/or realized.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate the sharing,and/or exchange, of data between widely separated devices, e.g. deviceswhich are so distant from one another that line-of-sight communicationoptions, e.g. modulated light, are not available, by daisy-chaininginter-device communications, signals, transmissions, and/or datatransfers. Data may be exchanged between two widely separated devicesthrough the receipt and re-transmission of that data by devices locatedat intermediate positions.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure transmit, receive, transfer,share, and/or exchange, data by means of light and/or “flashes” shinedon, and/or reflected or refracted by, atmospheric features, elements,particulates, droplets, etc. An embodiment will encode data (andpreferably first encrypt the data to be transmitted) into a series ofmodulated light pulses and/or flashes that are projected into theatmosphere in at least an approximate direction toward another suchdevice. The receiving device, e.g. through the use ofwavelength-specific filters, and/or temporally-specific frequencyfilters, will then detect at least a portion of the transmitted lightpulses and decode the encoded data. The return of data by the receivingdevice is accomplished in a similar manner.

Such a “reflected and/or refracted and light-modulated” data stream canbe made specific to at least a particular wavelength, range ofwavelengths, pulse frequency, and/or range of pulse frequencies. By sucha data communication scheme and/or process, an individual device can beconfigured to transmit data to one or more individual other devices(e.g. on separate wavelength-specific channels), and/or to a pluralityof other devices. It can be configured to receive data from one or moreindividual other devices (e.g. on separate wavelength-specificchannels), and/or to a plurality of other devices.

25) Local Exchange of Data and/or Power

The present invention includes an embodiment in which one end of a cableis suspended adjacent to the surface of the body of water on which theembodiment floats. The other end of the cable is directly and/orindirectly connected to a computer or other electronic device,component, and/or system, directly and/or indirectly connected at leastone other computing device on the embodiment.

A vessel, e.g., an unmanned autonomous vessel, can approach theembodiment, secure the free end of the cable, and by communicatingthrough that cable with the associated computer or other electronicdevice, component, and/or system, on board the embodiment, exchangecopious amounts of data with the computer or other electronic device,component, and/or system, on the embodiment, e.g., in order to downloadthe results of a calculation and/or simulation performed on theembodiment, and/or to upload a body of data and/or applications withwhich to perform a calculation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure achieve this remote data exchangecapability by means of cables including, but not limited to, thefollowing types:

fiber optic cables

LAN cables

RS-232 cables, and

Ethernet cables.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also exchange data with othercomputers, vessels, networks, data-relay stations, and/or datarepositories, by means of communication technologies including, but notlimited to, the following types:

Wi-Fi

radio

pulse-modulated underwater sounds, e.g., sonars

pulse-modulated lasers

pulse-modulated LEDs, and,

physical semaphores (e.g., 2D arrays of MEMs).

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also exchange data with othercomputers, vessels, networks, data-relay stations, and/or datarepositories, by means of communication channels mediated by, and/orincluding, but not limited to, the following types:

boats and/or other manned surface vessels

autonomous surface vessels

submarines

autonomous underwater vessels

planes

autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (AUVs)

satellites

balloons

ground stations, e.g., transmission stations positioned on shore, and,

other embodiments of the present invention.

26) Types of Data Transmission Networks

Some embodiments of the present disclosure interconnect at least some oftheir computing devices with, and/or within, a network in which each ofa plurality of the computing devices are assigned, and/or associatedwith, a unique internet, and/or “IP” address. Some embodiments of thepresent disclosure interconnect at least some of their computing deviceswith, and/or within, a network in which a plurality of the computingdevices are assigned, and/or associated with, a unique local subnet IPaddress.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure interconnect at least some oftheir computing devices with, and/or within, a network thatincorporates, includes, and/or utilizes, a router.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure interconnect at least some oftheir computing devices with, and/or within, a network thatincorporates, includes, and/or utilizes, a modem.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure interconnect at least some oftheir computing devices with, and/or within, a network thatincorporates, includes, and/or utilizes, a “storage area network.”

27) Advantages

The present invention offers many advantages, including, but not limitedto:

27a) Harvesting of Optimal Wave Energy Resources

If the electrical power generated by a wave-energy converting buoy is tobe transmitted to land, e.g. where it might be added to an electricalgrid, then that power must have a channel, method, and/or means, withwhich to do so. Many developers of wave energy devices anticipate usingsubsea electrical power cables to transmit power generated by anchoredfarms of their devices to shore. However, these cables are expensive.Their deployment (e.g. their burial in the seafloor) is also expensive.And, the anchoring and/or mooring of a farm of buoys (i.e. wave energydevices) close to shore can be difficult.

The present invention allows wave energy devices to make good use of theelectrical power that they generate without transmitting it to land.And, because the disclosed device is free to operate far from land, itis also free to be deployed where waves are most consistent, and ofoptimal energies.

While the present invention does not preclude the anchoring of thedisclosed devices, it nevertheless allows wave energy devices to makegood use of the electrical power that they generate without beinganchored and/or moored to the seafloor, and without an electrical cableto shore.

27b) Efficient Utilization of Wave Energy

The present invention optimizes the harvesting of energy from oceanwaves with a technology that has the potential to be highly reliable,long-lived, and cost effective.

27c) Efficient Scaling of Computing

By sequestering clusters of computers within independent buoys, thenumbers of computers (i.e. the numbers of clusters) can be scaled withrelative ease, e.g. there are no obvious barriers, costs, and/orconsequences, associated with an increase in the numbers of suchsequestered clusters of computers made available for the processing ofcomputing tasks.

The energy efficiency of interconnected sets of collocated computers canbe discussed in terms of “power usage effectiveness” or “PUE.”PUE=(Total Computing Facility Power)/(Total Computing Equipment Power)

Because large terrestrial clusters of computers require the expenditureof energy not just for the computers themselves, but also forrequirements such as: cooling, lighting, environmental considerationsfor staff, etc., their PUEs are typically estimated to be about 1.2. Anideal PUE would be 1.0, which would mean that all electrical powerconsumed, was consumed by the computers executing their respectivecomputing tasks, and, by extension, no electrical power was “wasted”doing anything else.

Many embodiments of the disclosed device utilize passive conductivecooling of their computers, which, because it is passive, consumes noelectrical power. And, because the disclosed devices are typicallyautonomous and/or unmanned, many embodiments utilize close to 100% ofthe electrical power that they generate energizing their respectivecomputers, and providing them with the energy that they need to completetheir respective computing tasks. Thus, many embodiments of thedisclosed device will have a PUE approaching 1.0, i.e. a “perfect” powerusage effectiveness, at least net of any losses due to temporarybuffering or storage of power.

Also, because the computers stored and operated within the devices ofthe present disclosure are located on buoys that are floating on a bodyof water (e.g. on the sea far from shore), they provide significantcomputing power without requiring a concomitant dedication of asignificant area of land. This potentially frees land that mightotherwise have been used to house such computing clusters, so that itmight instead be used for farming, homes, parks, etc.

27d) Decoupling Large-Scale Computing from Large-Scale Support Costs

Some might regard the history of computing as having taught thatprogress, especially with respect to the scaling of computing, is oftena consequence of an underlying progress in the discovery and/orinvention of new ways to “decouple” the components, and the constituenttasks, on which large-scale computing relies, from the overhead and/orsupport requirements needed to support large “monolithic” collections ofcomputers.

27e) Synergies in Multi-Use Buoys

Some embodiments of the present disclosure, when deployed in anchoredfarms of devices, will send electricity back to an onshore electricalpower grid via a subsea electrical power cable. However, when theelectrical demands of that terrestrial grid are not high, and/or theprice of electrical power sold into that grid is too low, then some orall of the devices in the farm may perform computations, such as Bitcoinmining and/or arbitrary or custom computational tasks for third parties,in order to generate revenue and/or profits.

Multi-purpose buoys, and methods for employing the same, are disclosed,wherein the electrical energy produced by a buoy is normally directed tothe buoy's computing circuits to carry out computationally intensivetasks, but can be redirected to serve purposes such as the electricalcharging of nearby ocean-going and airborne drones.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure, when deployed in anchoredfarms of devices, or when free-floating, especially as individualdevices, will primarily generate and store electrical energy that maythen be transmitted conductively and/or inductively to autonomousvessels and/or aircraft (i.e. “drones”) via charging connections and/orpads. However, when any connected drones are fully charged and/or adevice's energy stores are full, then the device may consume any surplusgenerated electrical power performing computations, such as Bitcoinmining and/or arbitrary or custom computational tasks for third parties,in order to generate revenue and/or profits. Such a dual purpose mayalso facilitate the role of device in charging drones, and/or mayfacilitate the hiding of drones when the ratio of devices to drones ishigh.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure, when deployed in anchoredfarms of devices, or when free-floating, especially as individualdevices, will primarily energize, operate, and monitor various sensors,such as, but not limited to: sonar, radar, cameras, microphones,hydrophones, antennae, gravimeters, magnetometers, and Geiger counters,in order to monitor their environments (air and water) in order todetect, monitor, characterize, identify, and/or track other vesselsand/or aircraft, or to survey the ocean floor for minerals and othercharacteristics. However, when there are no proximate vessels and/oraircraft to track, then a device might utilize some of its underutilizedelectrical energy (and computational power) in order to performcomputations, such as Bitcoin mining and/or arbitrary or customcomputational tasks for third parties, in order to generate revenueand/or profits.

There are many uses for electrical power far out at sea. Ocean chargingstations for autonomous and/or remotely-operated, ocean-going orairborne, “drones,” especially military drones, can consume largeamounts of power. Surveying of the ocean floor and the detection ofsubmarines can consume large amounts of power. Communications relays(e.g. for submarines) and radar stations can consume large amounts ofpower. Ocean-floor mining operations can consume large amounts of power.

Many of the aforementioned applications, however, consume power onlysporadically, and are therefore unlikely to be economical. It isunlikely to be economical, for instance, to deploy a dedicated waveenergy converter for the charging of drones. However, such a deploymentcan become economical if there is a use to which electrical power can beput during normal operation, between such sporadic uses. The performanceof computationally intensive tasks using computational circuits is oneof the simplest, most low-capital-cost and low-maintenance ways of usingelectrical power.

27f) Military/Rescue/Research

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may present tethers, mooringlines, cables, arms, sockets, berths, chutes, hubs, indentations, and/orconnectors, to which another vessel may attach, and/or moor, itself.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may present connectors,protocols, APIs, and/or other devices or components or interfaces, byand/or through which energy may be transferred and/or directed to betransferred from the embodiments to another vessel. The vessels thatmight receive such energy include, but are not limited to:

autonomous underwater vehicles, autonomous surface vessels, autonomousaircraft; and/or

manned underwater vehicles (e.g. submarines), manned surface vessels(e.g. cargo and/or container ships), and manned aircraft (e.g.helicopters).

Some of the vessels to which energy may be transferred and/ortransmitted may possess weapons.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may detect, monitor, log,track, identify, and/or inspect (e.g. visually, audibly, and/orelectromagnetically), other vessels passing within a sufficiently shortto distance of a device such that at least some of the device's sensorsare able to detect, analyze, monitor, identify, characterize, and/orinspect, such other vessels.

Aircraft operating near some embodiments are detected and/orcharacterized by means and/or methods that include, but are not limitedto:

visually (e.g. with one or more cameras, detecting one or morewavelengths of light, including, but not limited to visible light andinfrared light),

the detection of specific, e.g. engine-related, noises,

the detection of electromagnetic emissions and/or radiation (e.g. radiotransmissions and heat),

the detection of gravimetric distortions,

the detection of magnetic distortions,

the detection of changes in ambient radioactivity,

the detection of gamma-ray emissions, and/or

the detection of noise and/or other vibrations induced in the water onwhich the device floats.

Surface vessels operating near some embodiments are detected and/orcharacterized by means and/or methods that include, but are not limitedto:

visually (e.g. with one or more cameras, detecting one or morewavelengths of light, including, but not limited to visible light andinfrared light),

the detection of specific, e.g. engine-related, noises and/orvibrations, especially those that might be transmitted through and/or inthe water on which the device floats,

the detection of electromagnetic emissions and/or radiation (e.g. radiotransmissions and heat),

the detection of gravimetric distortions,

the detection of magnetic distortions,

the detection of changes in ambient radioactivity,

the detection of gamma-ray emissions, and/or

the detection of observed changes in the behavior of local marineorganisms (e.g. the direction in which a plurality of fish swim).

Sub-surface vessels operating near some embodiments are detected and/orcharacterized by means and/or methods that include, but are not limitedto:

the detection of specific, e.g. engine-related, noises and/orvibrations, transmitted through and/or in the water on which the devicefloats,

the detection of electromagnetic emissions and/or radiation (e.g. radiotransmissions and heat),

the detection of gravimetric distortions,

the detection of magnetic distortions,

the detection of changes in ambient radioactivity,

the detection of gamma-ray emissions,

the detection of changes in the behavior of local marine organisms (e.g.the direction in which a plurality of fish swim), and/or

the detection of changes in the volume and/or clarity of ambient noisesnominally and/or typically generated by marine organisms, geologicalphenomena (e.g. volcanic and/or seismic events), current-induced noises(e.g. water movements around geological formations), and/or reflectednoises (e.g. the noise of overpassing planes reflecting in specificpatterns off the seafloor).

A plurality of devices able to exchange data, message, and/or signals,and/or otherwise interconnected, may obtain high-resolution informationabout the nature, structure, behavior, direction, altitude and/or depth,speed, condition (e.g. damaged or fully functional), incorporation ofweapons, etc., through the sharing and synthesis of the relevant datagathered from the unique perspectives of each device.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may transmit, e.g. viasatellite, to a remote computer and/or server, the detection, nature,character, direction of travel, speed, and/or other attributes, ofdetected, monitored, tracked, and/or observed, other vessels. Someembodiments may be able to receive, e.g. via satellite, and respond tocommands and/or requests for additional types of observations, sensorreadings, and/or responses, including, but not limited to: the firing ofmissiles, the firing of lasers, the emission of electromagnetic signalsintended to jam certain radio communications, the firing of torpedoes,the vigilant tracking of specific vessels (e.g. a prioritization of thetracking and/or monitoring of specific vessels over other nearbyvessels), the release of tracking devices, the emission of misleadingelectromagnetic transmissions (e.g. to mislead GPS readings, to mimicradio beacons and/or radars, etc.) . . . even the self-destruction ofthe device itself.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may present connectors,linkages, interfaces, APIs, and/or other devices or components, byand/or through which data may be exchanged between the embodiment andanother vessel. Such other vessels might utilize such a data connectionin order to obtain cached data, messages, signals, commands, and/orinstructions, preferably encrypted, transmitted to the device from aremote source and/or server, and stored within the device, and/or withina plurality of devices, any one of which may be accessed by anothervessel for the purpose of obtaining command and control information.

Such embodiments may facilitate the transmission of data, messages,status reports, and/or signals, preferably encrypted, from the othervessels to the remote source and/or server, especially by masking thesource of any such transmission within equivalent, but potentiallymeaningless, transmissions from a plurality, if not from all, otherdevices. If all of the devices of such an embodiment regularly transmitblocks of encrypted and/or fictitious data to a particular remote sourceand/or server, then the replacement of one device's block of data withactual data (the nature and/or relevance of which might only bediscernable to a receiver with one or more appropriate decryption keys,algorithms, and/or parameters) will effectively hide the location of anyand/or all such other vessels with respect to the detection of such datatransmissions. This mechanism of hiding the location of a device towhich another vessel is connected is particularly useful when the othervessel is a submersible and/or submarine, since it would presumably alsobe hidden from visual and (while at rest, connected to a device) audiodetection.

27g) Decoupling Computing from Terrestrial Data Centers

The present invention offers many potential benefits, including, but notlimited to a decoupling of computing power (e.g. available CPUs and/orinstructions per second) from the typically correlated supporting and/orenabling requirements, e.g., such as those associated with theconstruction, operation, and/or maintenance, of data centers and/orserver farms.

These requirements include the need that sufficient electrical power beprovided to energize a large number of computers. In order to transmitlarge amounts of electrical power into concentrated collections ofcomputers, it is typically necessary to bring the power to thecollections of computers at a high voltage and/or a high current.However, since individual computers, computing devices, and/or computingcircuits, require electrical power that is typically of a lower voltageand/or current, it is often necessary and/or preferred to partition thehigh-energy electrical power into multiple circuits of lower-energypower. These changes in voltage and/or current can result in some lossof energy and/or efficiency.

These requirements include the need to remove heat, and/or introducecooling, fast enough to compensate for the significant amounts of heatthat are generated by highly concentrated and extensive collections ofelectrically-powered computing devices. Such cooling is relativelyenergy intensive, e.g. significant electrically-powered refrigeration,fans, pumped liquid heat exchangers, etc.

Embodiments of the present disclosure obtain relatively small amounts ofelectrical power from water, and/or ocean, waves and utilize thatelectrical power to energize a relatively small number of computingdevices. By contrast with large, highly-concentrated, collections ofcomputers, the computers within embodiments of the present invention areable to be energized with electrical power that, at least approximately,matches electrical requirements of the computers, i.e. there is no needto transmit highly-energetic electrical power from distant sourcesbefore reducing that power down to voltages and/or currents that arecompatible with the computers to be energized.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure achieve and/or satisfy all oftheir cooling requirements through purely passive and convective and/orconductive cooling. Thermally-conductive walls and/or pathwaysfacilitate the natural transmission of heat from the computing devicesto the air and/or water outside the device. A relatively smaller numberof devices means relatively less heat is generated. And, the proximityof a heat sink of significant capacity (i.e. the water on which thedevice floats) means that the removal of these relatively small amountsof heat conductively and/or convectively is achieved with greatefficiency and in the absence of any additional expenditures of energy.

The present invention increases the modularity of clusters of computingdevices by not only isolating them physically, but also by powering themindependently and autonomously, and by cooling them passively. Throughthe creation and deployment of additional self-powered computing buoys,a computing capability can be scaled in an approximately linear fashion,typically, if not always, without the non-linear and/or exponentialsupport requirements and/or consequences, e.g. cooling, that mightotherwise limit an ability to grow a less modular architecture and/orembodiment of computing resources.

The present invention provides a useful application for wave-energyconversion devices that requires significantly less capital expendituresand/or infrastructure. For instance, a free-floating and/or driftingdevice of the present invention can continuously complete computationaltasks, such as calculating blockchain block values, while floatingfreely in very deep water (e.g. 3 miles deep) in the middle of an ocean,hundreds or thousands of miles from shore. Such an application does notdepend upon, nor require, a subsea power cable to send electrical powerto shore. It does not require extensive mooring and/or the deployment ofnumerous anchors in order to fix the position of a device, e.g. so thatit can be linked to a subsea power cable.

By providing alternate computational resources, that draw their powerdirectly from the environment, and by completing computational taskscurrently executed in terrestrial clusters of computers, the amount ofelectrical power required on land can be reduced. And, thereby, theamount of electrical power generated through the consumption of fossilfuels, and the concomitant generation of greenhouse gases, can bereduced.

All potential variations in sizes, shapes, thicknesses, materials,orientations, methods, mechanisms, procedures, processes, electricalcharacteristics and/or requirements, and/or other embodiment-specificvariations of the general inventive designs, structures, systems, and/ormethods disclosed herein are included within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

28) Self-Propulsion

The present invention includes an embodiment in which the embodimentpossesses devices, mechanisms, structures, features, systems, and/ormodules, that actively and purposely move the embodiment, primarilylaterally, to new geospatial locations and/or positions. Suchself-propulsion capabilities allow embodiments to achieve usefulobjectives, including, but not limited to, the following:

to seek out optimal wave conditions

to avoid adverse wave and/or weather conditions

to avoid other ships, vessels, and/or potential hazards

to avoid shallow waters, rocks, land masses, islands, and/or othergeological hazards

to maintain proximity to other embodiments, e.g., so as to exchange datawith one another, and/or cooperate in the execution of relatively largecomputing tasks

to provide energy to other vessels, and/or disaster areas in time ofemergency, and,

to return to port in order to receive inspection, maintenance, repair,upgrades, and/or in order to be decommissioned.

Embodiments of the present invention may achieve self-propulsion bydevices, mechanisms, structures, features, systems, and/or modules, thatinclude, but are not limited to, the following:

rigid sails

flexible sails

Flettner rotors

keel-shaped tube chambers

rudders

ducted fans

propellers

propeller-driven underwater thrusters

directed out flows of air from water tubes utilized as thrust

water jets

submerged, wave-heave-driven flaps

submerged, tethered airplane-like kite and/or drone

inflatable water-filled (or emptied) sack, and

sea anchors and/or drogues

29) Airfoil-Shaped Tubes and/or Tube Shrouds and/or Cowlings

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a water tube hasan airfoil-shaped cross-sectional shape (i.e., with respect to ahorizontal cross-section in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of thewater tube). Another embodiment has a water tube is embedded within anairfoil-shaped casing, shroud, and/or cowling.

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments that minimizetheir drag, and facilitate their motion, e.g., by means ofself-propulsion, through the use of airfoil-shaped water tubes and/orouter tube casings, shrouds, cowlings, and/or enclosures The scope ofthe present invention includes embodiments that incorporate and/orinclude airfoil-shaped water tubes and/or casings as well as ruddersand/or ailerons that allow the airfoil-shaped water tubes to be steeredafter the manner of a keel, or an airplane wing.

30) Utilization of Turbine Exhaust as Thrust

The present invention includes an embodiment in which compressed,relatively high-pressure air flowing out of a water tube, either througha turbine or through a one-way valve, is directed laterally in adesirable direction so as to propel the embodiment.

31) Pitch-Inhibiting Weight

The present invention includes an embodiment in which a weight issuspended beneath one or more water tubes by flexible cables and/orrigid struts or structures such that when the orientation of theembodiment deviates from vertical, and/or from normal with the resting,nominal surface of the body of water on which the embodiment floats,then the downward gravitational force of the weight is imparted to thebottom of the water tube, and/or the bottom of the embodiment's buoy,thereby creating a restoring torque, or is imparted to the most raisedof two or more water tubes, again thereby creating a restoring torque.

32) Aerosolization of water

The present invention includes an embodiment that directly or indirectlyuses a portion of the energy that it extracts from waves to sprayseawater aerosols into the air (e.g., thereby increasing the abundanceof cloud nucleation sites and promoting the development of clouds withgreater albedo that might tend to reflect incident sunlight back intospace thereby potentially reducing the temperature of the Earth).

The present invention includes an embodiment in which an expulsionand/or exhaust of high-pressure air is used to entrain and aerosolizewater. An embodiment utilizes a high-pressure jet of air to draw up,aerosolize, and blow into the atmosphere, seawater drawn up from the seasurrounding the embodiment. An embodiment utilizes the exhaust from itshigh-pressure turbine (i.e., a turbine through which high-pressure airis vented from the embodiment, e.g., from its water tube and/or from itshigh-pressure accumulator) to entrain, aerosolize, and blow into theatmosphere, seawater. The present invention includes an embodiment inwhich an electrically-powered pump and/or blower is used to aerosolizeseawater and project, propel, and/or spray, it into the atmosphere.

33) Combinations and Derivative Variations

The present invention includes many novel devices, devices that arehybrid combinations of those novel devices, and variations,modifications, and/or alterations, of those novel devices, all of whichare included within the scope of the present invention. All derivativedevices, combinations of devices, and variations thereof, are alsoincluded within the scope of the present invention.

The scope of the present disclosure includes embodiments that include,incorporate, and/or utilize, air turbines, valves, and other means ofregulating and/or controlling the flow of air and water, in anycombination, and incorporating and/or characterized by any and allembellishments, modifications, variations, and/or changes, that wouldpreserve their essential function and/or functionality.

The present invention, as well as the discussion regarding same, is madein reference to wave energy converters on, at, or below, the surface ofan ocean. However, the scope of the present invention applies with equalforce and equal benefit to wave energy converters and/or other deviceson, at, or below, the surface of an inland sea, a lake, and/or any otherbody of water or fluid.

All potential variations in sizes, shapes, thicknesses, materials,orientations, and/or other embodiment-specific variations of the generalinventive designs, structures, systems, and/or methods disclosed hereinare included within the scope of the present disclosure, and will beobvious to those skilled in the art.

34) Applicable Types of Wave Energy Devices

While the variety of wave energy devices provided in the illustrationsand examples in the present invention are limited, the scope of thoseportions of the disclosure that are not limited or constrained to aparticular wave energy technology, and/or those portions which may beapplied to other types of wave energy technologies and/or designs, shallapply and/or extend to all wave energy devices and/or technologies.Those elements of the presently disclosed wave energy technology whichmay be incorporated within, added to, and/or utilized in conjunctionwith, other wave energy technologies and/or devices, including, but notlimited to, those of a future disclosure, are included within the scopeof the present disclosure, as are those wave energy devices and/ortechnologies which include and/or benefit from them. It is to beunderstood that many objects of the disclosure apply to any type of waveenergy converter consistent with the present invention.

35) Applicable Types of Device Deployments

Some embodiments of the present disclosure float freely, and/or “drift,”adjacent to a surface of water in a passive manner which results intheir movement in response to wind, waves, currents, tides, etc. Someembodiments are anchored and/or moored so as to retain an approximatelyconstant position relative to a position on the underlying seafloor.And, some embodiments are self-propelled, and/or capable of exploitingnatural movements of air and/or water to move in a chosen direction, atleast approximately.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are self-propelled and/orcapable of exploiting natural movements of air and/or water so as tochange their positions in at least a somewhat controlled manner.Self-propelled embodiments may achieve their directed motions by meansincluding, but not limited to: rigid sails, ducted fans, propellers, seaanchors, Flettner rotors, sea anchors, and/or drogue anchors.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are deployed so as to befree-floating and so as to drift with the ambient winds, currents,and/or other environmental influences that will affect and/or alter itsgeolocation. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are deployedsuch that individual devices are anchored and/or moored (e.g. to theseafloor) so as to remain approximately stationary.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure which are anchored and/ormoored are so anchored and/or moored proximate to other such devices,and may even be moored to one another. These embodiments may be deployedin “farms” and their computers may be directly and/or indirectlyinterconnected such that they may interact, e.g. when cooperating tocomplete various computing tasks. The devices deployed in farms maycommunicate with computers and/or networks on land by means of one ormore subsea data transmission cables, including, but not limited to:fiber optic cables, LAN cables, Ethernet cables, and/or other electricalcables. The devices deployed in farms may communicate with computersand/or networks on land by means of one or more indirect devices,methods, and/or means, including, but not limited to: Wi-Fi, radio,microwave, pulsed and/or modulated laser light, pulsed and/or modulatedLED-generated light, and/or satellite-enabled communication.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure which drift and/or areself-propelled, may directly and/or indirectly interconnect theircomputers so they may interact, e.g. when cooperating to completevarious computing tasks. For example, drifting devices may act asclusters within a larger virtual cluster so as to cooperatively completecomputing tasks that are larger than individual devices could completeindividually. And, for example, self-propelled devices may travel theseas together in relatively close proximity to one another, though notdirectly connected.

Drifting, and/or self-propelled, devices may communicate with computersand/or networks on land, and/or with each other, by means of one or moreindirect devices, methods, and/or means, including, but not limited to:Wi-Fi, radio, microwave, pulsed and/or modulated laser light, pulsedand/or modulated LED-generated light, and/or satellite-enabledcommunication.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are deployed so as to be“virtually” interconnected to one or more other devices (e.g. by Wi-Fi,radio, microwave, modulated light, satellite links, etc.), and togetherto drift with the ambient winds, currents, and/or other environmentalinfluences that will affect and/or alter its geolocation. Someembodiments of the present disclosure are deployed so as to be“virtually” interconnected to one or more other devices (e.g. by Wi-Fi,radio, microwave, modulated light, satellite links, etc.), and, becausethey are “self-propelled” and/or able to actively influence theirgeolocation, and/or changes in same, through their manipulation ofambient winds, currents, and/or other environmental influences.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are deployed so as to betethered, and to be directly inter-connected, to one or more otherdevices, wherein one or more of the tethered devices are anchored and/ormoored (e.g. to the seafloor) so as to remain approximately stationary,thereby limiting the range of motion and/or position of the entiretethered assembly.

Some embodiments, when directly and/or indirectly inter-connected withone or more other devices, whether drifting or anchored, will link theircomputers and/or computing networks, e.g. by means of satellite-mediatedinter-device communications of data, so as to act, behave, cooperate,and/or compute, as subsets of a larger, integrated, and/orinter-connected set of computers. Such inter-connected and/orcooperating devices may utilize, and/or assign to, a single device (orsubset of the inter-connected group of devices) to be responsible for aspecific portion, part, and/or subset, of the system-level calculations,estimates, scheduling, data transmissions, etc., on which the group ofdevices depends.

36) Sizes of Devices

The scope of the present disclosure includes embodiments of differentdimensions, areas, volumes, masses, and capacities, including, but notlimited to, those possessing:

waterplane areas of between 10 and 5,000 square meters

drafts of between 30 and 250 meters

tubular channels having cross-sectional areas (with respect to sectionalplanes normal to longitudinal axes of the respective tubular channels)that are between 3 and 140 square meters

tubular channels having lengths (along axes parallel to longitudinalaxes of the respective tubular channels) that are between 30 and 150meters

water ballasts having masses that are between 50 thousand and 300million kilograms

water ballasts having relative masses equal to between 25% and 100,000%of the masses of the respective “dry” portions of the respectiveembodiments (i.e., those parts of the respective embodiments that arerigid and/or not comprised of water, such as structural components)

the ability to generate between 1 kW and 5 MW when buffeted by oceanwaves having significant wave heights of 3 or more meters, and dominantor significant wave periods of 9 or more seconds.

Scope of the Disclosure

While much of the present invention is discussed in terms of wave energyconverters, including both floating and submerged components and/ormodules, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that most, ifnot all, of the disclosure is applicable to, and of benefit with regardto, other types of buoyant devices and/or partially or fully submergeddevices, and all such applications, uses, and embodiments, are includedwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiments illustrated and discussed in relation to the figuresincluded herein are provided for the purpose of explaining some of thebasic principles of the disclosure. However, the scope of the presentinvention covers all embodiments, even those differing from theidealized examples presented. The present invention covers allembodiments even those using modern components, devices, systems, etc.,as replacements for the components, devices, systems, etc., used in theembodiments illustrated and/or discussed for the purpose of explanationand example.

Any one-way valve illustrated or discussed in the present invention maybe replaced or augmented with an actively controlled valve, and thescope of the present invention includes any and all such substitutions.

The scope of the present invention includes “pressure-actuated” one-wayvalves that may be comprised of a flap or ball that opens in onedirection when the pressure of the air on the side to which the flap orball moves or rotates is less than the pressure of the air on the otherside. The scope of the present invention includes “pressure-actuated”one-way valve may be a flap or ball that opens in one direction when thenet effective pressure of the air pushing against it in the direction inwhich it moves when it opens is sufficient to create an “opening” forcethat is greater than a threshold or “closing” force tending or acting tohold the valve closed, e.g., the valve will open when the net pressureof the air tending to push it in an opening direction is sufficient,when applied against the surface of the flap or ball to generate an“opening” force sufficient to overcome the force of a pair of magnets(e.g., one in the ball or flap, and one in the frame to which, or withinwhich, the ball or flap is constrained) tending to hold the valveclosed. The scope of the present invention includes embodimentsutilizing and/or incorporating all other varieties, styles, designs,and/or types, of one-way valves.

The scope of the present invention includes the incorporation of acontrol system within any embodiment discussed wherein the controlsystem controls (opens and closes) valves, adjusts and/or alters thetorque imparted by generators on turbines, adjusts and/or alters thevolume of water ballast, and thereby alters and/or adjusts anembodiment's draft, waterplane area, and/or waterline, etc.

Any “generator” mentioned, discussed, and/or specified, in the presentinvention may create electrical power, pressurized hydraulic fluid,compressed air, and/or perform some other useful work or produce someother useful product. Any “generator” mentioned, discussed, and/orspecified, in the present invention may be a generator, and alternator,or any other mechanism, device, and/or component, that converts energyfrom one form to another, especially any other mechanism, device, and/orcomponent, that converts the rotary motion of a turbine's shaft intoelectrical power.

The scope of the present invention includes ducts, and/or vents of anyand all shapes and/or sizes, and possessing and/or incorporatingconstrictions of any all absolute and/or relative cross-sectional areas.

The scope of the present invention includes turbines of any and alltypes, any and all diameters, any and all efficiencies, and made of anyand all materials.

The scope of the present invention includes multiple turbines in series,e.g., multiple turbines extracting energy from a same flow of air.

The scope of the present invention includes generators, alternators,etc., in which the amount, degree, and/or magnitude, of the resistivetorque imparted by to the turbines to those generators, alternators,etc., to which they are connected, may be actively controlled so as tooptimize the extraction of energy from the positively and/or negativelypressurized air within the respective water columns and/or accumulatorsfrom or to which air flows before or after flowing through the turbines.

The scope of the present invention includes the use of adjustable guidevanes, dampers, and/or other flow-control surfaces, and/or otherobstructions to flow, that may be used to adjust the rate and/orpressure of air flowing through the turbines, especially so as tooptimize the extraction of energy from the air flowing through theturbines.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure,reference should be made to the following detailed descriptions, takenin connection with the accompanying drawings. The following figuresoffer explanatory illustrations, which, like most, if not all,explanations and illustrations, are potentially useful, but inherentlyincomplete. The following figures, and the illustrations offeredtherein, in no way constitute limitations, neither explicit norimplicit, on the scope of the present invention.

Note that some figures incorporate bold arrows to suggest the flow ofair and/or water.

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention. The embodiment 100 floats adjacent to an upper surface 101 ofa body of water. The embodiment incorporates a tubular water column 102,a lower end 103 of which is open to the water 101. As the embodimentmoves up and down in response to passing waves, water moves 104 in andout of the open bottom 103 of the water column 102. Water moves 104 inand out of the open bottom 103 of the water column at least in part dueto wave-induced changes in the draft of that portion of the water columnand at least in part due to vertical movements of the embodiment inresponse to wave heave.

As the level of the water within the water column 102 oscillates, apocket of air trapped in an upper portion 105 of the water column isalternately compressed and expanded. As the pocket of air expands andcontracts in response to variations in the level of the water enclosedwithin the water column 102, air is alternately 106 drawn in to(inhaled) and expelled from (exhaled) that air pocket through a tubularduct 107 containing an air-driven turbine (not visible) that isoperatively connected to a generator (not visible).

The embodiment 100 incorporates a buoy 108-110 with an approximatelyflat upper surface (or deck) 108, an approximately cylindrical side 109,and an approximately frusto-conical bottom 110.

FIG. 2 shows a top-down view of the same embodiment illustrated in FIG.1 . Incorporated within the approximate horizontal center of the buoy100, and/or approximately coaxial with a vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry of the embodiment, is the upper end of the water column105 within which a duct 107 allows air to flow into, and out of, the airpocket in the upper portion of the water column 105. A turbine 111 in aconstricted portion of the duct is spun by the air that flows in and outof the water column 105 and generates rotational kinetic energy thatenergizes an operatively connected generator (not visible).

FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein the vertical section is takenalong section line 3-3 as specified in FIG. 2 . A buoyant, and at leastpartially hollow, buoy 108-110, contains water ballast 112 positioned ina lower interior portion of the buoy and therein adjacent to an interiorsurface of the bottom wall 110 of the buoy. Thus, the weight of theballast 112 tends to push down against one of the buoy surfaces againstwhich the water 101 pushes up.

Water column 102/105 has an open bottom 103 through which water may flow104 in and out of the water column. Due to changes in the draft andpressure of the water at the lower mouth 103 of the water column, and tovertical, e.g., heave-induced, movements of the embodiment and its watercolumn, the body of water enclosed by the water column tends to move upand down within the tube 102, and typically out of phase with thewave-induced rising and falling of the embodiment and the surface 101 ofthe body of water.

When the water 113 enclosed by the water column moves up within thewater column 102/105, at the same time that the buoy 100 moves down,e.g., on the retreating face of a passing wave, air trapped in a pocket114 adjacent to the top of the water column 105 is compressed, forcingat least a portion of that air to flow 106 through duct 107, and throughturbine 111 therein, resulting in the generation of electrical power bya generator (not shown) operatively connected to turbine 111.

Conversely, when the water 113 enclosed by the water column moves downwithin the water column 102/105, at the same time that the buoy 100moves up, e.g., on the rising face of an approaching wave crest, airtrapped in a pocket 114 at the top of the water column 105 is expanded,and its pressure is reduced, forcing air to flow 106 into the air pocketthrough duct 107, and through turbine 111 therein, resulting in thegeneration of electrical power by a generator (not shown) operativelyconnected to turbine 111.

FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention. The embodiment 120 floats adjacent to an upper surface 121 ofa body of water. The embodiment incorporates a tubular water column 122a lower end 123 of which is open to the water. As the embodiment movesup and down in response to passing waves, water moves 124 in and out ofthe open bottom 123 of the water column 122. Water moves 124 in and outof the open bottom 123 of the water column 122 at least in part due towave-induced changes in the draft of that portion of the water columnand at least in part due to vertical movements of the embodiment inresponse to wave heave.

As the level of the water within the water column 122 oscillates, apocket of air trapped in an upper portion of the water column 122(within a portion of the water column positioned inside the buoy 130) isalternately compressed and expanded. As the pocket of air expands inresponse to downward movements of the upper surface of the waterenclosed within the water column 122, air is drawn 125 in to (inhaled)that air pocket through a tubular duct 126 containing an air-driventurbine (not visible) that is operatively connected to a generator (notvisible).

As the pocket of air trapped in an upper portion of the water column 122is compressed in response to upward movements of the upper surface ofthe water enclosed within the water column 122, air is expelled from theair pocket and directed into a high-pressure “accumulator” (not visibleand within the buoy 130). Compressed, high-pressure air within theaccumulator flows 127 out through a tubular duct 128 containing anair-driven turbine (not visible) that is operatively connected to agenerator (not visible). Because the high-pressure accumulator stores,and slowly releases through duct 128, the air impulsively and/orcyclically compressed within the water column 122, air from theaccumulator flows 127 outward at a relatively steady rate and pressure.This allows the turbine within duct 128 to be smaller, lighter, and lesscostly than the type and capacity of generator that would be required ifthe outward flow of pressurized air originated directly from the airpocket in the water column 122, and were therefore more impulsive andcharacterized by significantly varying rates and pressures that spanneda greater range.

The embodiment 120 also has an actuated (e.g., electrically actuated)one-way valve that when opened allows high-pressure air from the watercolumn's air pocket to be directed into the cavity of the hollow buoy130 (i.e. the hollow cavity of the buoy being separate from thehigh-pressure accumulator positioned therein), which results in thedisplacement of at least a portion of the water ballast within the buoy130 through an aperture 129 in a lower wall 130 of the buoy. Theexpulsion of a portion of the water ballast within the buoy 120decreases the mass, weight, and inertia of the buoy and reduces thevolume of water that the embodiment displaces, i.e., it results in thebuoy rising out of the water 121. Such a reduction in the mass of theembodiment, and in the consequent raising of the embodiment out of thewater, allows the embodiment to adapt to an increase in the energy ofthe waves buffeting it by decreasing its water plane area (e.g., bylowering its mean water plane to a lower position transiting thefrusto-conical bottom of the buoy where the horizontal cross-sectionalarea is lessened) and thereby decreasing the amount of wave energy thatthe embodiment absorbs from the water 121 on which it floats.

By contrast, when wave conditions are suboptimal, and/or insufficientlyenergetic, air can be released 131 from the cavity within the hollowbuoy 130 through a valve 132, controlled or actuated by a controller133. When air is released from the inside of the buoy, water flows inthrough aperture 129, thereby increasing the mass, weight, and inertiaof the embodiment, thereby increasing its draft (i.e., the depth of thebottom of its water column), and increasing (potentially up to itsmaximal amount) the cross-sectional area of its water plane area at thesurface 121 of the body of water on which it floats, and therebyincreasing the amount of wave energy that the embodiment absorbs fromthe water 121 on which it floats.

FIG. 5 shows a top-down view of the same embodiment illustrated in FIG.4 . Incorporated within the approximate center of the buoy 120 is a duct126 containing a turbine 134 that is positioned in a constricted portionof the duct. One end of the duct is connected to an upper end of theembodiment's water column (122 in FIG. 4 ) and allows air to flow intoan air pocket in an upper portion of that water column, especially whenthe pressure of the air within that air pocket is reduced relative tothe pressure of the atmosphere outside the embodiment. The turbine 134positioned within the duct 126 tends to be spun by air that flows fromthe atmosphere outside the embodiment and into the water column's airpocket. The inhalation turbine's spinning generates rotational kineticenergy that energizes a generator to which the turbine is operativelyconnected.

Positioned to one side of the “inhalation duct” 126 is an “exhalationduct” 128 through which pressurized air stored in an accumulator withinbuoy 120 flows out of the buoy and through a turbine 135 located withina constricted portion of the exhalation duct 128. The exhalationturbine's spinning generates rotational kinetic energy that energizes agenerator to which the turbine is operatively connected.

A valve 132 contains a “flap” 136 (a movable obstruction capable ofshutting the valve) whose position is controlled by a controller 133.The controller permits the valve to be opened or closed. When opened,air within the buoy is allowed to escape which allows water to flowinto, and be entrained within, the hollow interior of the buoy, therebyincreasing the mass, weight, and inertia of the embodiment and causingthe embodiment's draft to increase.

FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 , wherein the vertical section is takenalong section line 6-6 as specified in FIG. 5 . A buoyant, and at leastpartially hollow, buoy 120/130, contains a water ballast 137 in a lowerinterior portion adjacent to a bottom buoy surface and/or wall 130.Thus, the weight of the ballast 137 pushes down against one of the buoysurfaces against which the water 121 on which the embodiment floatspushes up.

Water column 122 has an open bottom 123 and/or mouth or aperture throughwhich water may flow 124 in and out. Due to changes in the depth andpressure of the water at the lower mouth 123 of the water column, anddue to vertical, e.g., heave-induced, movements of the water column 122,the body of water 138 enclosed within the water column 122 tends to moveup and down, and typically moving out of phase, with the wave-inducedrising and falling of the embodiment and the surface 121 of the body ofwater on which the embodiment floats.

When the water 138 enclosed by the water column 122 moves down withinthe water column at the same time that the buoy 120 moves up, e.g., onthe rising face of an approaching wave crest, the volume of the airpocket 139 at the top of the water column 122 is increased, causing theair trapped in that air pocket to expand, and causing its pressure to bereduced. When the pressure of the air in the air pocket 139 falls belowthe outside atmospheric pressure (e.g., 1 ATM) then a pressure-actuatedone-way valve 145 opens and allows outside air to flow 125 into the airpocket 139 through duct 126, and through turbine 134 therein, resultingin the generation of electrical power by a generator (not shown)operatively connected to turbine 134.

When the water 138 enclosed by the water column 122 moves up within thewater column at the same time that the buoy 120 moves down, e.g., on theretreating face of a passing wave, air trapped in a pocket 139 at thetop of the water column 122 is compressed, causing its pressure toexceed the pressure of the air within a high-pressure accumulator 140.At that point, and until the pressure within the air pocket 139 fallsto, or below, the pressure in the accumulator 140, pressurized air willforce open the passive (pressure actuated) one-way valve 141 positionedwithin a tube or aperture 142 that connects the air pocket 139 to theaccumulator 140. After forcing open the one-way valve 141, air will flowfrom the pressurized air pocket 139 into the accumulator 140.

Pressurized air within accumulator 140 flows out 127 to the atmospherethrough duct 128 and turbine 135 therein. The rate at which the airflows is related to the diameter of duct 128, the diameter of thatportion of the duct wherein the turbine 135 is position, i.e., thedegree of duct constriction, the number of blades on turbine 135, andflow rate of the air may be adjusted and/or controlled through theadjustment and/or control of the resistive torque imparted to theturbine 135 by its operatively connected generator or alternator (notshown). When appropriately designed and controlled, the duct and turbinetherein can release 127 pressurized air from accumulator 140 at arelatively steady rate and pressure, thereby permitting the use of asmaller turbine and a smaller generator (or alternator) than would berequired if the turbine and generator were required to capture energyfrom the impulsive bursts of pressurized air generated by the air pocketin the absence of a buffering accumulator. The passage of air throughturbine 135 at a relatively steady rate and pressure will also tend toprolong the life of, and reduce the need to maintain, the turbine, thebearings (if any) facilitating the rotation of the turbine, and thegenerator (not shown) to which the turbine is operatively connected.

Moreover, a turbine directly capturing energy from the impulsive burstsof pressurized air generated by the air pocket would be required tocapture energy over a greater range of flow rates and pressures than theturbine capturing energy from the relatively steady flow rates andpressures emanating from the accumulator. It would be more difficult, ifnot impossible, for a turbine energized directly from the output of theair pocket to achieve the same efficiency of energy capture as a turbineenergized by the relatively constant flow rates and pressures that wouldcharacterize the buffered accumulator output.

Embodiment 120 includes permanently buoyant structures 144 and/orcomponents (e.g., closed-cell foam) within the hollow interior of thebuoy 120/130 so that embodiment 120 cannot sink even if the water 137within the hollow space within the buoy is increased to its maximumpossible extent and/or volume, e.g. by a defective and/or failedpressure relief valve 136 and/or controller 133.

Embodiment 120 includes two actively controlled or actuated valves 136and 143. When the embodiment's control module (not shown) opens valve136 (e.g., by sending an appropriate signal to the valve's controlmodule 133) then air trapped within the hollow interior 146 of the buoyis allowed to escape to the atmosphere outside the embodiment. Thisallows water 121 on which the embodiment floats to flow into the hollowinterior 146 through vent or aperture 129. When the embodiment's controlmodule (not shown) opens one-way valve 143 (e.g., by sending anappropriate signal to the valve's control module 147) then at thosetimes when the air within air pocket 139 is pressurized (e.g., as aresult of the air pocket's compression) then pressurized air will flowfrom the air pocket 139 into the hollow interior 146 of the buoy. Theinflow of pressurized air will cause water within the hollow interior146 of the buoy to flow through vent or aperture 129 into the body ofwater 121 on which the embodiment floats.

Through the opening of either of valves 136 or 143, and the concomitantclosing of the other of those two valves, the volume of water (i.e.,ballast) within the hollow interior 146 of the buoy can be eitherincreased or decreased.

An increase in the volume of the water ballast within the buoy 120 willcause the buoy's draft 149 to increase (i.e., will cause the top of thebuoy 120 to get closer to the surface 121 of the water). This might beuseful when the energy of the waves buffeting the embodiment isrelatively low and the embodiment can capture more of that energy byincreasing its water plane area.

A decrease in the volume of the water ballast within the buoy 120 willcause the buoy's draft 149 to decrease (i.e., will cause the top of thebuoy to move higher and further from the surface 121 of the water). Thismight be useful when the energy of the waves buffeting the embodiment isrelatively high and it is useful for the embodiment to capture a smallerfraction of that energy by decreasing its water plane area, e.g., thewater plane area of the buoy 120 when its mean waterline is at 148 isless than it is when its mean waterline is at 121 (i.e. when itswaterline is at the same position suggested within the embodimentconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 6 ) since the cross-sectional area ofthe embodiment, in a plane parallel to the surface 121 of the body ofwater on which the embodiment floats, is less when the waterline of theembodiment is at a position 148 than when it is at 121. Also, bydecreasing the volume of the water ballast within the buoy and therebyraising the embodiment out of the water to a degree, the vulnerabilityof the embodiment to damage by extreme waves can be reduced.

The mass of the embodiment 120 and therefore the draft of the embodimentis not significantly affected by the water enclosed within water column122 since that water is unbounded at its lower end and is (aside fromany suction within the air pocket 139) able to flow down and out of thewater column with relative freedom.

Note that because of the significant mass of the water 137 entrainedwithin the buoy 120, and the relative insignificance of the waterpartially enclosed within, and relatively free to move in and out of,the water column 122, the embodiment's center of mass is locatedapproximately along the embodiment's vertical longitudinal axis (i.e.,its radial axis of approximate symmetry) at a point within the upper andlower bounds of the buoy. In other words, the embodiment's center ofmass is found within the buoy, above line 150, and not below line 150.

FIG. 7 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 170 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 171 integrated into the center ofthe buoy contains an air pocket above the body of water enclosed withinthe water column 171.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 has an upper buoyportion comprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermostfrustoconical portion. And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/orconnected to a central hollow tubular structure having an uppermostportion positioned inside the buoy portion, and a lowermost portion thatextends out and through the bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy andthe tubular structure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry. While top-down and sectional views are provided of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 , because of the similarity inthe large structural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1,4, and 7-8 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8 are omitted.

As the buoy 170 and the body of water within the water column 171 movetoward one another (e.g., as the water moves upward while the buoy ismoving downward) the air trapped at the top of the water column iscompressed and its pressure is increased. When the pressure of the airwithin the water column's air pocket is sufficiently high, a firstpressure-actuated one-way valve (not visible) allows a portion of thepressurized air in the air pocket to travel through a tubular connectorinto a high-pressure accumulator (not visible).

Pressurized air from the high-pressure accumulator flows out of theaccumulator and into the ambient atmosphere through a duct 172 andthrough a turbine 173 therein. As the pressurized air flows through theturbine 173 it spins which causes the rotor of a generator operativelyconnected to the turbine to spin as well, thereby generating electricalenergy.

In similar embodiments, the spinning of the turbine is rotatablyconnected to a hydraulic generator or pump, thereby generatingpressurized hydraulic fluid. And, in another similar embodiment, thespinning of the turbine creates rotational kinetic energy that is usedto perform useful work.

As the buoy 170 and the body of water within the water column 171 moveaway from one another (e.g., as the water moves downward while the buoyis moving upward) the volume of the pocket in which air is trapped atthe top of the water column 171 is increased, i.e., the air is expandedand its pressure is reduced. When the pressure of the air within thewater column's air pocket is sufficiently low, a secondpressure-actuated one-way valve (not visible) allows a portion of therelatively higher pressure air in a low-pressure accumulator (notvisible) to travel through a tubular connector into the air pocket.

Air from outside the embodiment (i.e., air at a pressure ofapproximately 1 atmosphere) flows into the low-pressure accumulatorthrough a duct 174 and through a turbine 175 therein. As the outside airflows through the turbine 175 the turbine spins which causes the rotorof a generator operatively connected to the turbine to spin as well,thereby generating electrical energy.

In similar embodiments, the spinning of the turbine is operativelyconnected to a hydraulic generator or pump, thereby generatingpressurized hydraulic fluid. And, in another similar embodiment, thespinning of the turbine creates rotational kinetic energy that is usedto perform useful work.

FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 7 , wherein the vertical section plane is takenalong section line 8-8 as specified in FIG. 7 . The embodimentincorporates a buoyant portion 170 including, but not limited to: abuoy, flotation module, boat, barge, or buoyant platform, and anopen-bottomed water column 171/176 portion, including, but not limitedto: a tube, pipe, channel, or chamber.

As the buoy 170 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 177 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the waterpartially enclosed within the water column 171/176 rises and falls, aswater flows 178 into, and out of, the water column's mouth 179. Thewater 180 within the water column 171/176 rises and falls 181, at leastin part, due to the changes in the pressure of the water adjacent to thebottom mouth 179 of the water column that result from changes in thedepth of the bottom mouth of the water column. The depth of, and waterpressure around, the bottom mouth of the water column change, at leastin part, because as waves lift and let fall the buoy, the buoy'svertical movements are imperfectly synchronized with the surfaces ofthose waves and with the movements of the embodiment, therebyeffectively changing the depth of the water column's mouth 179. Thewater 180 within the water column 171/176 also rises and falls 181, atleast in part, due to the inertia of the water 180 inhibiting thatwater's ability to accelerate up and down in unison or synchrony withthe embodiment 170 and the structural tube defining and/or establishingits water column 171/176.

When the distance between the top 171 of the water column and the top182 of the water 180 within the water column 176, changes so as todecrease the volume available to the air pocket 183, the air 183 trappedat the top of the water column is compressed. When the pressure of thatair exceeds the pressure of the air in a high-pressure accumulator 184,then a first pressure-actuated one-way valve 185 opens and relativelyhigh-pressure air flows from the air pocket 183 into the high-pressureaccumulator 184.

High-pressure air within the high-pressure accumulator 184 flows at arelatively steady rate and pressure through a duct 172 and a turbine 173therein and therethrough flows 186 into the atmosphere. The rotationalkinetic energy imparted to the turbine 173 by the air flowing through itis communicated to an operatively connected generator, and therebyenergizes the electrical generator resulting in its generation ofelectrical power. In a similar embodiment, that rotational kineticenergy of the turbine is used to energize a hydraulic pump or generatorand pressurize hydraulic fluid. And, in another similar embodiment, therotational kinetic energy of the turbine is used to perform useful work(such as energizing a pump that sprays seawater into the air in order tocreate aerosols that increase cloud cover and reflect heat from the Sunback into space).

When the distance between the top 171 of the water column and the top182 of the water 180 within the water column 176, increases, the volumeof the air pocket 183 is increased, and the air 183 trapped at the topof the water column is decompressed, and its pressure is reduced. Whenthe pressure of that air falls below the pressure of the air in alow-pressure accumulator 187, a second pressure-actuated one-way valve188 opens and relatively high-pressure air flows from the low-pressureaccumulator 187 into the relatively low-pressure air pocket 183.

The relatively higher-pressure atmospheric air outside the embodimentflows 189 at a relatively steady rate and pressure through a duct 174and through a turbine 175 therein and into the low-pressure accumulator187. The rotational kinetic energy imparted to the turbine 175 by theair flowing through it is used to energize an electrical generator andthereby generate electrical power. In a similar embodiment, thatrotational kinetic energy of the turbine 175 is used to energize ahydraulic pump or generator and pressurize hydraulic fluid. And, inanother similar embodiment, that rotational kinetic energy of theturbine 175 is used to perform useful work (such as energizing a pumpthat sprays seawater into the air in order to create aerosols thatincrease cloud cover and reflect heat from the Sun back into space).

Water 190 entrained within the buoy 170 increases the mass, weight, andinertia of the buoy (i.e., thereby serving as ballast) affecting theembodiment's draft, and the vertical position of its waterline. A pumpand associated pipes (not shown) allow the embodiment's control system(not shown) to increase or decrease the amount, volume, or level, ofwater 190 stored within the buoy, thereby raising or lowering,respectively, the embodiment's waterline, and thereby respectivelyincreasing or decreasing the embodiment's draft. This ability of theembodiment's control system to adjust the embodiment's draft allows thecontrol system to optimize the draft, and the associated water planearea, of the embodiment with respect to the significant wave height,period, wind speed, wind direction, current speed, current direction,and/or any other relevant environmental and/or operational factor(s). Byreducing the embodiment's draft during storms, the control system canminimize the risk of structural damage to the embodiment that mightotherwise result from more energetic wave conditions of those storms.

FIG. 9 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present inventionthat is similar to the embodiment illustrated and discussed in FIGS. 7and 8 , and the components shared by the embodiments of FIGS. 7-8 andFIGS. 9-10 share the same identifying numbers in order to facilitateunderstanding of the present invention. The components and behaviorscommon to both embodiments will not be repeated in relation to FIGS. 9and 10 . However, unlike the embodiment illustrated and discussed inFIGS. 7 and 8 , the embodiment illustrated and discussed in FIGS. 9 and10 includes two additional ducts 192 and 193, and respective one-wayvalves that are explained in the description of FIG. 10 .

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 has an upper buoyportion comprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermostfrustoconical portion. And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/orconnected to a central hollow tubular structure having an uppermostportion positioned inside the buoy portion, and a lowermost portion thatextends out and through the bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy andthe tubular structure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry. While top-down and sectional views are provided of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 , because of the similarity inthe large structural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1,4, and 9-10 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 9 and 10 are omitted.

FIG. 10 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9 , wherein the vertical section plane is alongsection line 10-10 as specified in FIG. 9 . The embodiment incorporatesa buoyant portion 170, and an open-bottomed 179 water column 171/176.

As the buoy 170 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 177 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the waterpartially enclosed within the water column 171/176 rises and falls 181,and water flows 178 into, and out of, the water column's mouth 179. Thewater 180 within the water column 171/176 rises and falls 181, at leastin part, due to the changes in the pressure of the water adjacent to thebottom mouth 179 of the water column 171/176 that result from changes inthe depth of the bottom mouth of the water column. The depth of, andwater pressure around, the bottom mouth of the water column change, atleast in part, because as waves lift and let fall the buoy, the buoy'svertical movements are imperfectly synchronized with the surfaces ofthose waves, thereby effectively changing the depth of the watercolumn's mouth 179. The water 180 within the water column 171/176 alsorises and falls 181, at least in part, due to the inertia of that water180 inhibiting that water's ability to accelerate upward and downward inunison or synchrony with the embodiment 170 and structural tube definingand/or establishing its water column 171/176 and partially entrainingthe water 180 therein.

When the distance between the top 171 of the water column and the top182 of the water 180 within the water column 176, decreases, the air 183trapped at the top of the water column is compressed. With respect tothis embodiment, and unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, as the air within air pocket 183 begins to be compressed, and beforethe pressure of the air within the air pocket 183 has increased enoughto open pressure-actuated one-way valve 185 connecting the air pocket183 with the high-pressure accumulator 184, a high-pressure bypass valve194 opens to allow at least a portion of the “modestly pressurized” airwithin air pocket 183 to escape 195 into the atmosphere outside theembodiment through duct 192.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the pressure of the air within theair pocket 183 has risen to, or above, a threshold pressure level, thehigh-pressure bypass valve 194 closes, and at a similar but preferablygreater threshold pressure, the high-pressure accumulator valve 185opens and allows at least a portion of the highly-pressurized air withinthe air pocket 183 to flow into the high-pressure accumulator 184 fromwhere it will flow 186 into the atmosphere outside the embodiment,through duct 172 and through turbine 173 therein, at an approximatelyconstant rate of flow and pressure, while also generating rotationalkinetic energy within turbine 173 (which in the illustrated embodimentis converted into electrical power through the energizing of agenerator, not shown) at an approximately constant rate and/or level.

In a similar embodiment, the high-pressure bypass valve 194 closes atapproximately the same pressure at which the high-pressure accumulatorvalve 185 opens. In another similar embodiment, there is nohigh-pressure bypass valve 194 and the high-pressure bypass duct 192 iscontinuously open (e.g., but because of its relatively narrow channeldoesn't cause a significant loss of pressure or potential energy withinthe compressed air inside the air pocket 183). In another similarembodiment, the high-pressure bypass valve 194 only opens when the airwithin the air pocket 183 reaches or exceeds a pressure that is greaterthan the pressure at which the high-pressure accumulator valve 185opens. In this embodiment, the high-pressure bypass valve 194 functionsas a “relief valve” reducing the risk that pressure within the watercolumn 171 will rise so high that the water column or some othercomponent of the embodiment will suffer structural or other damage.

High-pressure air within the high-pressure accumulator 184 flows at arelatively steady rate and pressure through a duct 172 and a turbine 173therein and into 186 the atmosphere. The rotational kinetic energyimparted to the turbine 173 by the air flowing through it is used toenergize an electrical generator (not shown) and causing the generatorto generate electrical power. Turbine 173 is positioned within aconstricted portion of duct 172 where air speed is approximatelymaximal. In a similar embodiment, the rotational kinetic energy ofturbine 194 is used to energize an hydraulic pump or generator andpressurize hydraulic fluid. And, in another similar embodiment, thatrotational kinetic energy is used to perform useful work (such asenergizing a pump that sprays seawater into the air in order to createaerosols that increase cloud cover and reflect heat from the Sun backinto space).

When the distance between the top 171 of the water column and the top182 of the water 180 within the water column 176 increases, the air 183trapped at the top of the water column is decompressed, and its pressureis reduced. With respect to this embodiment, and unlike the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 , as the air within air pocket 183 beginsto be decompressed, and before the pressure of the air within the airpocket 183 has decreased enough to open pressure-actuated one-way valve188 connecting the air pocket 183 with the low-pressure accumulator 187,a low-pressure bypass valve 196 opens to allow atmospheric air outsidethe embodiment to enter 197 the air pocket 183 within the water column176.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the pressure of the air within theair pocket 183 has fallen below a threshold level, the low-pressurebypass valve 196 closes, and at a similar but preferably lesserthreshold pressure, the low-pressure accumulator valve 188 opens andallows at least a portion of the air within the low-pressure accumulator187 to flow into the air pocket 183 thereby reducing the pressure withinthe low-pressure accumulator 187 and causing atmospheric air outside theembodiment to continue flowing into the low-pressure accumulator 187through duct 174, and through turbine 175 positioned therein, at anapproximately constant rate of flow and pressure, while also generatingrotational kinetic energy within turbine 175 (which in the illustratedembodiment is converted into electrical power through the energizing ofa generator, not shown) at an approximately constant level.

In a similar embodiment, the low-pressure bypass valve 196 closes atapproximately the same pressure at which the low-pressure accumulatorvalve 188 opens. In another similar embodiment, there is no low-pressurebypass valve 196 and the low-pressure bypass duct 193 is continuouslyopen (e.g., but because of its relatively narrow channel doesn't cause asignificant increase in pressure or reduction in the low-pressurepotential energy within the air inside the air pocket 183). In anothersimilar embodiment, the low-pressure bypass valve 196 only opens whenthe air within the air pocket 183 reaches or falls below a pressure thatis lesser than the pressure at which the low-pressure accumulator valve185 opens. In this embodiment, the low-pressure bypass valve 196functions as a “relief valve” reducing the risk that pressure will fallto a level so low that the water column or some other component of theembodiment may suffer structural or other damage.

Low-pressure air within the low-pressure accumulator 187 drawsatmospheric air into the low-pressure accumulator 187 at a relativelysteady rate and pressure through a duct 174 and a turbine 175 therein.The rotational kinetic energy imparted to the turbine 175 by the airflowing through it is communicated to a generator (not shown) causing anelectrical generator operatively connected to the turbine 175 togenerate electrical power. In a similar embodiment, that rotationalkinetic energy of the turbine 175 is used to energize a hydraulic pumpor generator and pressurize hydraulic fluid. And, in another similarembodiment, that rotational kinetic energy is used to perform usefulwork (such as energizing a pump that sprays seawater into the air inorder to create aerosols that increase cloud cover and reflect heat fromthe Sun back into space).

Water 190 entrained within the buoy 170 increases the mass, weight, andinertia of the buoy 170 (i.e., and serves as ballast) thereby affectingthe embodiment's draft, and the vertical position of its waterline. Apump and associated pipes (not shown) allow the embodiment's controlsystem (not shown) to increase or decrease the amount, volume, or level,of water 190 stored, captured, and/or entrained within the buoy, therebyraising or lowering, respectively, the embodiment's waterline, andrespectively increasing or decreasing the embodiment's draft. Thisability of the embodiment's control system to adjust the embodiment'sdraft allows the control system to optimize the draft, and associatedwater plane area, of the embodiment with respect to the significant waveheight, period, wind speed, wind direction, current speed, currentdirection, and/or any other relevant environmental and/or operationalfactor. By reducing the embodiment's draft during storms, the controlsystem can minimize the risk of structural damage to the embodiment thatmight otherwise result from more energetic wave conditions of thosestorms.

In the illustrated embodiment, duct 192 contains a one-way“high-pressure bypass” valve 194 that allows a portion of the air insidethe air pocket 183 trapped at the top of the water column 171 to flow195 out of the air pocket when its pressure is greater than the pressureof the air outside the embodiment (i.e., greater than atmosphericpressure), but is less than the pressure required to open thepressure-actuated one-way valve that allows that pressurized air to flowinto the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator. The duct 192, and itsassociated valve 194, do not allow air to flow out at a rate that wouldprevent the pressure of the air inside the water column 171 fromeventually reaching a pressure sufficient to open the pressure-actuatedone-way valve 185 connecting the air pocket 183 within the water column171 to the high-pressure accumulator 184. At approximately the samemoment that the valve 185 connecting the air pocket to the high-pressureaccumulator opens, the valve allowing high pressure air to escape theair pocket into the atmosphere closes.

Likewise, in the illustrated embodiment, duct 193 contains a one-way“low-pressure bypass” valve 196 that allows air outside the embodiment(i.e., air at atmospheric pressure) to flow 197 into the air pocket 183trapped at the top of the water column 171 when the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 183 is lower than the pressure of the air outsidethe embodiment, but is greater than the pressure required to open thepressure-actuated one-way valve 188 that allows depressurized air toflow out of the embodiment's low-pressure accumulator 187. The duct 193,and its associated valve 196, do not allow air to flow into the airpocket 183 at a rate that would prevent the pressure of the air insidethe water column 171 from eventually falling to a pressure sufficient toopen the pressure-actuated one-way valve 188 connecting the air pocket183 within the water column 171 to the low-pressure accumulator 187. Atapproximately the same moment that the valve 188 connecting the airpocket 183 to the low-pressure accumulator 187 opens, the valve 196allowing atmospheric air to flow 197 directly into the air pocket 183closes.

A listing of the many mechanisms, assemblies, components, and systems,some passive and some active, by which the high-pressure bypass valve194 can be closed at pressures less than that of the atmosphere outsidethe embodiment, and closed at pressures above the threshold openingpressure of the one-way valve 185 connecting the air pocket 183 to thehigh-pressure accumulator 184, is not practical as there at too many.However, all such mechanisms, assemblies, components, and/or systems,are included within the scope of the present invention.

As an example of a suitable high-pressure bypass valve 194, a flap whenpushed by a relatively slight pressure differential (i.e., when thepressure of the air 183 inside the water column 171 is only slightlygreater than that of the atmosphere outside the device) can be displacedfrom a first orifice, creating a gap between that first orifice and asecond orifice on the opposite side of the flap through which theslightly pressurized air may flow. However, when the flap is pushed by apressure differential greater than or equal to the threshold pressure atwhich the valve 185 connecting the water column 171 to the high-pressureaccumulator 184 opens, then the flap of the high-pressure bypass valve194 can be sufficiently displaced that it is pushed up against thesecond orifice effectively closing it and halting the flow of airthrough the valve.

Similarly, duct 193 contains a one-way “low-pressure bypass” valve 196that allows atmospheric air from outside the embodiment to flow into thewater column's air pocket 183 when, and only when, the pressure of theair therein is less than the pressure of the air outside the embodiment(i.e., less than atmospheric pressure), but is greater than the pressurerequired to open the pressure-actuated one-way valve 188 that allowsthat air to flow into the air pocket 183 from the embodiment'slow-pressure accumulator 187. The example high-pressure bypass valve 194described in the prior paragraph, when utilized in a reversedorientation would constitute a suitable low-pressure bypass valve 196.

There are many variations to the structure and operation of theembodiment described in relation to FIGS. 7-10 , all of which areincluded within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments similarto those described in FIGS. 7-10 include and/or utilize active valves(e.g., activated and/or controlled electrically or hydraulically)instead of passive and/or pressure-actuated valves. Such active valvesare actively controlled by the embodiment's operating system, providingthe potential to adjust and optimize the behavior of the pressure, andpower generation, cycles through a dynamic (e.g., algorithmicallycalculated) pattern of control.

Embodiments similar to those described in FIGS. 7-10 include and/orutilize ducts and/or valves that are capable (e.g., especially whenactively controlled by a control system) of allowing sufficientpressurized air to escape, and/or sufficient atmospheric air to enter,the water column 171 so as to limit, reduce, and/or prevent variationsin the pressure of the air in the air pocket 183. Embodiments similar tothose described in FIGS. 7-10 include and/or utilize bypass valves thatare constantly open, but are characterized and/or permit a rate of flowlow enough to only reduce the range of pressures developed within theair pocket of the water column by a small, if not trivial, amount.

FIG. 11 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 200 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 201 is incorporated at the centerof buoy 200 and the column is approximately coaxial with a verticallongitudinal axis of approximately radial symmetry of the embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 has an upper buoyportion comprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermostfrustoconical portion. And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/orconnected to a central hollow tubular structure having an uppermostportion positioned inside the buoy portion, and a lowermost portion thatextends out and through the bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy andthe tubular structure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry. While top-down and sectional views are provided of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , because of the similarity inthe large structural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1,4, and 11-12 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 11 and 12 are omitted.

A high-pressure pipe 202 or conduit connects an air pocket positionedwithin an upper portion of the water column 201 to three high-pressureaccumulators 203-205. A first high-pressure accumulator 203 is connectedto a second high-pressure accumulator 204 by a first inter-high-pressureaccumulator pipe 206 that contains a first inter-high-pressure turbine(not visible) positioned within turbine enclosure 207. The secondhigh-pressure accumulator 204 is connected to a third high-pressureaccumulator 205 by a second inter-high-pressure accumulator pipe 208that contains a second inter-high-pressure turbine (not visible)positioned within turbine enclosure 209. And the third high-pressureaccumulator 205 vents to the atmosphere outside the embodiment by way ofa high-pressure duct 210 containing a high-pressure turbine 211positioned within a constricted portion of the duct 210.

A low-pressure pipe 212 or conduit connects an air pocket positionedwithin an upper portion of the water column 201 to three low-pressureaccumulators 213-215. A first low-pressure accumulator 213 is connectedto a second low-pressure accumulator 214 by a first inter-low-pressureaccumulator pipe 216 that contains a first inter-low-pressure turbine(not visible) positioned within turbine enclosure 217. The secondlow-pressure accumulator 214 is connected to a third low-pressureaccumulator 215 by a second inter-low-pressure accumulator pipe 218 thatcontains a second inter-low-pressure turbine (not visible) positionedwithin turbine enclosure 219. And the third low-pressure accumulator 215receives air from the atmosphere outside the embodiment by way of alow-pressure duct 220 containing a low-pressure turbine (not visible)positioned within a constricted portion of the duct 220.

FIG. 12 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 11 , wherein the vertical section plane is takenalong section line 12-12 as specified in FIG. 11. The embodimentincorporates a buoyant portion 200 including, but not limited to: abuoy, flotation module, boat, barge, or buoyant platform, that tends tofloat adjacent to an upper surface 221 of a body of water, and anopen-bottomed water column 201/222 portion, including, but not limitedto: a tube, pipe, channel, or chamber.

The illustration in FIG. 12 includes arrows indicating the direction inwhich air typically flows through the embodiment. For example, adownward-pointing arrow adjacent to valve 237 indicates air flowing intoair pocket 228 from pipe 212; and, an upward-pointing arrow adjacent tovalve 229 indicates air flowing from air pocket 228 into pipe 202.

As the buoy 200 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 221 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the water223 partially enclosed within the water column 201/222 rises and falls,causing water to flow 224 into, and out of, the water column's mouth225. The water 223 within the water column 201/222 rises and falls 226,at least in part, due to the changes in the pressure of the wateradjacent to the bottom mouth 225 of the water column that result fromchanges in the depth of the bottom mouth of the water column. The depthof, and water pressure around, the bottom mouth of the water columnchange, at least in part, because as waves lift and let fall the buoy,the buoy's vertical movements are imperfectly synchronized with thesurfaces of those waves, thereby effectively changing the depth of thewater column's mouth 225. The water 223 within the water column 201/222also rises and falls 226, at least in part, due to the inertia of thatwater 223 inhibiting that water's ability to accelerate up and down inunison or synchrony with the embodiment 200 and its tubular water column201/222.

When the distance between the top 201 of the water column and the top227 of the water 223 within the water column 222, decreases, the air 228trapped at the top of the water column 201 is compressed. When thepressure of that air exceeds the pressure of the air in high-pressurepipe 202 and reaches or exceeds the threshold opening pressure of theone-way high-pressure-pipe valve 229, pressurized air from air pocket228 flows into the high-pressure pipe 202.

When the pressure of the air within the high-pressure pipe 202 exceedsthe pressure within a first 203, second 204, and/or third 205,high-pressure accumulator, the respective one-wayhigh-pressure-accumulator valves 230-232 open and pressurized air flowsfrom the high-pressure pipe 202 into those respective first, second,and/or third, high-pressure accumulators.

When the pressure of the air within the first high-pressure accumulator203 exceeds the pressure of the air within the second high-pressureaccumulator 204, air flows through a first inter-high-pressureaccumulator pipe 206 from the first 203 to the second 204 high-pressureaccumulator. The air flowing through that first inter-high-pressureaccumulator pipe 206 flows through, and energizes and causes to rotate,a first inter-high-pressure turbine 207B, positioned within a firstinter-high-pressure turbine enclosure 207A, which is operativelyconnected by a shaft to a first inter-high-pressure generator 233,thereby generating electrical power.

When the pressure of the air within the second high-pressure accumulator204 exceeds the pressure of the air within the third high-pressureaccumulator 205, air flows through a second inter-high-pressureaccumulator pipe 208 from the second 204 to the third 205 high-pressureaccumulator. The air flowing through that second inter-high-pressureaccumulator pipe 208 flows through, and energizes and causes to rotate,a second inter-high-pressure turbine 209B, positioned within a secondinter-high-pressure turbine enclosure 209A, which is operativelyconnected by a shaft to a second inter-high-pressure generator 234,thereby generating electrical power.

When the pressure of the air within the third high-pressure accumulator205 exceeds the pressure of the air outside the embodiment (e.g.,exceeds atmospheric pressure), air flows 235 through a high-pressureduct 210 from the third 205 high-pressure accumulator and into theatmosphere. The air flowing through the high-pressure duct 210 flowsthrough a constricted portion of the duct, and energizes and causes torotate, a turbine 211, positioned within a constricted portion of theduct 210, which is operatively connected by a shaft to a generator 236,thereby generating electrical power.

After the air pocket 228 has been maximally compressed (i.e., reached amaximal pressure during the wave-driven cycle of pressure variationswithin the air pocket 228, the pressures of the air within each of thethree high-pressure accumulators 203-205 will tend to be approximatelyequal. As the third high-pressure accumulator 205 vents pressurized airto the atmosphere through duct 210 and turbine 211, the pressure of theair therein will fall. As the pressure of the air within the thirdhigh-pressure accumulator 205 falls below the pressure of the air withinthe second high-pressure accumulator 204, air will flow through pipe 208and turbine 209B, causing its pressure to fall. And, as the pressure ofthe air within the second high-pressure accumulator 204 falls below thepressure of the air within the first high-pressure accumulator 203, airwill flow through pipe 206 and turbine 207B, causing its pressure tofall.

When next the air within the air pocket 228 begins to be compressed, therelatively modestly pressurized air first will be able to flow throughpipe 202 into high-pressure accumulator 205 since the pressure of theair therein will tend be lower than the pressures of the air in theother two high-pressure accumulators 203 and 204. As the air within theair pocket 228 becomes progressively more compressed, and more highlypressurized, air will begin flowing into high-pressure accumulator 204while continuing to flow into high-pressure accumulator 205. And,eventually, as the air within the air pocket 228 becomes even morecompressed, and even more pressurized, air will begin flowing intohigh-pressure accumulator 203 while continuing to flow intohigh-pressure accumulators 204 and 205.

By providing receiving accumulators for air pressurized to differentdegrees. levels, and/or magnitudes, a combination of useful behaviorsmay be achieved. The air in one accumulator 205 oscillates between arelatively large range of pressures. This provides the potential benefitthat at the low end of its relatively greater range of pressures, it isable to begin receiving pressurized air at relatively lower pressures,potentially capturing pressure potential energy that might otherwise belost. However, this also provides the potential drawback that thisaccumulator's turbine is driven by flow rates and pressures that varyrelatively greatly during the embodiment's operation, and because ofthis it is possible that this accumulator's turbine will capture energywith less efficiency.

On the other hand, and at the other extreme, the air in anotheraccumulator 203 oscillates between a relatively narrow range ofpressures (i.e., tending to have and maintain a consistently higherpressure than the pressures of the other accumulators). This providesthe potential benefit that air will flow through its respective turbine207B at a relatively constant rate and pressure permitting it to captureenergy at a higher efficiency.

When the distance between the top 201 of the water column and the top227 of the water 223 within the water column 222, increases, the air 228trapped at the top of the water column 201 is decompressed, and itspressure is reduced. When the pressure of that air falls below thepressure of the air in low-pressure pipe 212 and reaches or falls belowthe threshold opening pressure of the one-way low-pressure-pipe valve237, relatively higher-pressure air from the pipe 212 flows into airpocket 228.

When the pressure of the air within the low-pressure pipe 212 fallsbelow the pressure within a first 213, second 214, and/or third 215,low-pressure accumulator, the respective one-waylow-pressure-accumulator valves 238-240 open and relatively pressurizedair flows out from those respective first, second, and/or third,low-pressure accumulators and into the pipe 212.

When the pressure of the air within the third low-pressure accumulator215 falls below the pressure of the air outside the embodiment (e.g.,falls below atmospheric pressure), one-way valves, e.g., 241, within alow-pressure duct 220, open to connect the third low-pressureaccumulator 215 to the atmosphere, and air flows 242 from the atmospherethrough the open one-way valves, e.g., 241, through a constrictedportion 243 of the low-pressure duct 220, and through a turbine 244therein, which is operatively connected by a shaft to a generator 245.The air flowing from the atmosphere into the third low-pressureaccumulator 215, imparts rotational kinetic energy to the turbine 244within duct 243, thereby causing electrical power to be generated bygenerator 245.

When the pressure of the air within the third low-pressure accumulator215 rises above the pressure of the air within the second low-pressureaccumulator 214, air flows through a secondinter-low-pressure-accumulator pipe 218 from the third 215 to the second214 low-pressure accumulator. The air flowing through that pipe flowsthrough, and energizes and causes to rotate, a second inter-low-pressureturbine 219B, which is operatively connected by a shaft to a secondinter-low-pressure generator 246, thereby generating electrical power.

When the pressure of the air within the second low-pressure accumulator214 rises above the pressure of the air within the first low-pressureaccumulator 213, air flows through a firstinter-low-pressure-accumulator pipe 216 from the second 214 to the first213 low-pressure accumulator. The air flowing through that pipe flowsthrough, and energizes, a first inter-low-pressure turbine 217B, whichis operatively connected by a shaft to a first inter-low-pressuregenerator 247, thereby generating electrical power.

After the pressure of the air within air pocket 228 has been reduced toa maximal extent, the pressures of the air within each of the threelow-pressure accumulators 213-215 will tend to be approximately equal.As the third low-pressure accumulator 215 receives relatively highlypressurized air (e.g., receives air at atmospheric pressure) from theatmosphere through duct 220/243 and turbine 244, the pressure of the airtherein will rise. As the pressure of the air within the thirdlow-pressure accumulator 215 rises (and approaches atmospheric pressure)and becomes greater than the pressure of the air within the secondlow-pressure accumulator 214, air will flow through pipe 218 and turbine219B, causing the air pressure within the second low-pressureaccumulator 214 to rise as well. And, as the pressure of the air withinthe second low-pressure accumulator 214 rises above the pressure of theair within the first low-pressure accumulator 213, air will flow throughpipe 216 and turbine 217B, causing its pressure to rise.

When next the air within the air pocket 228 begins to be reduced, theair in low-pressure accumulator 215 should have a pressure greater thanthe air in the other two low-pressure accumulators 213 and 214. And, theair in low-pressure accumulator 213 should have the lowest pressure ofall. This range of pressures between or among the low-pressureaccumulators means that air will flow from them, through low-pressurepipe 212, and into the depressurized and/or depressurizing air pocket228 at different times and/or at differing rates.

The relatively higher pressure air in low-pressure accumulator 215 willtend to be the first to flow into the air pocket 228 when its pressureis dropping. The air in low-pressure accumulator 214 will tend to be thenext to flow into the air pocket 228, as air continues to flow fromlow-pressure accumulator 215. And, finally, when the air in air pocket228 has fallen to or below that in low-pressure accumulator 213, airwill flow from all three low-pressure accumulators into the air pocket228.

By providing low-pressure accumulators for air depressurized todifferent degrees, a combination of useful behaviors may be achieved.The air in one accumulator 215 oscillates between a relatively largerange of pressures. This provides the potential benefit that at the highend of its relatively greater range of pressures, it is able to beginproviding air to the air pocket 228 at relatively higher pressures,potentially facilitating the ability of the water 223 within watercolumn 222 to oscillate to a maximal extent and/or over a maximal rangeof heights 227 within the water column. However, this also provides thepotential drawback that this accumulator's turbine will be driven byflow rates and pressures that vary relatively greatly during theembodiment's operation, and because of this it is possible that thisaccumulator's turbine 244 will capture energy with relatively lowefficiency.

On the other hand, and at the other extreme, the air in anotherlow-pressure accumulator 213 oscillates between a relatively narrowrange of pressures (i.e., tending to have and maintain a consistentlylower pressure than the other accumulators). This provides the potentialbenefit that air will flow through its respective turbine 217B at arelatively constant rate and pressure permitting it to capture energymore and/or most efficiently.

Each turbine in this embodiment is operatively connected to a respectivegenerator that tends to generate electrical power in response to airflowing through its respective turbine. However, in similar embodiments,the turbines are connected to hydraulic pumps and/or generators andgenerate pressurized hydraulic fluid in response to air flowing throughthe turbines. In other embodiments, the turbines, and their respectivegenerators, generate pressurized air (e.g., more highly pressurized thanthat produced by the air pocket). And, in other embodiment, therotational kinetic energy of the turbines is used for other usefulpurposes and/or work.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 incorporates threehigh-pressure accumulators 203-205 three high-pressure turbines 207B,209B, and 211, and three turbine-driven generators 233, 234, and 236.Other embodiments have different numbers of high-pressure accumulators,including, but not limited to: one, two, four, five, six, and seven.Some do not have even a single high-pressure accumulator. Otherembodiments have different numbers of high-pressure turbines, including,but not limited to: one, two, four, five, six, and seven. Some do nothave even a single high-pressure turbine. And, other embodimentsenergize different numbers of generators with one, some and/or all oftheir high-pressure turbines. All variations of the illustratedembodiment are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 incorporates threelow-pressure accumulators 213-215 three low-pressure turbines 217B,219B, and 244, and three turbine-driven generators 245-247. Otherembodiments have different numbers of low-pressure accumulators,including, but not limited to: one, two, four, five, six, and seven.Some do not have even a single low-pressure accumulator. Otherembodiments have different numbers of low-pressure turbines, including,but not limited to: one, two, four, five, six, and seven. Some do nothave even a single low-pressure turbine. And, other embodiments energizedifferent numbers of generators with one, some or all of theirlow-pressure turbines. All variations of the illustrated embodiment areincluded within the scope of the present disclosure.

Water 248 and a solid, porous and/or aggregate material (e.g., whichmight include, but is not limited to: gravel, rocks, pieces of iron,etc.) having a dry density greater than water, and saturated with water(e.g., sharing the water 248), are entrained within the buoy 200 andincrease its mass, weight, and inertia, serving as ballast. A pump andassociated pipes (not shown) allow the embodiment's control system (notshown) to increase or decrease the amount, volume, or level, of water248 stored within the buoy, thereby raising or lowering, respectively,the embodiment's waterline, and increasing or decreasing theembodiment's draft. This ability of the embodiment's control system toadjust the embodiment's draft allows the control system to optimize thedraft, and associated water plane area, of the embodiment with respectto the significant wave height, period, wind speed, wind direction,current speed, current direction, and/or any other relevantenvironmental and/or operational factor. By reducing the embodiment'sdraft during storms, the control system can minimize the risk ofstructural damage to the embodiment that might otherwise result frommore energetic wave conditions of those storms.

The use of a solid, porous and/or aggregate material 249 helps tostabilize the water 248 and reduce the “sloshing” of the water from oneside of the buoy's interior to the other as the embodiment tilts (i.e.,as its longitudinal and/or radial axis of symmetry deviates from anormal orientation with respect to a surface of the mean and/or restingwater level 221).

FIG. 13 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 250 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 251 is incorporated at the centerof buoy 250, and/or positioned such that it is approximately coaxialwith a vertical longitudinal axis of radial symmetry of the embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 has a similar gross structureto that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , namely, theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 has an upper buoy portioncomprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermostfrustoconical portion. And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/orconnected to a central hollow tubular structure having an uppermostportion positioned inside the buoy portion, and a lowermost portion thatextends out and through the bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy andthe tubular structure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry. While top-down and sectional views are provided of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 , because of the similarity in thelarge structural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4,and 13-15 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13-15 are omitted.

Two high-pressure accumulators 252-253, and two low-pressureaccumulators 254-255, are attached to an upper surface of the buoy 250.Each accumulator is connected to the central water column 251 by a pipe,e.g. 256. The pair of high-pressure accumulators 252 and 253 areconnected to each other by a high-pressure-accumulator pipe 257. And,the pair of low-pressure accumulators 254 and 255 are connected to eachother by a low-pressure-accumulator pipe 258.

Positioned inside a constricted portion of the high-pressure-accumulatorpipe 257 is a turbine (not visible) that is operatively connected to agenerator 259. And, positioned inside a constricted portion of thelow-pressure-accumulator pipe 258 is a turbine (not visible) that isoperatively connected to a generator 260.

Pressurized air flows from one 253 of the high-pressure accumulators tothe atmosphere through a duct 261 and through a turbine 262 therein.And, air flows from the atmosphere into one 255 of the low-pressureaccumulators through a duct 263 and through a turbine (not visible)therein.

FIG. 14 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 13 , wherein the vertical section plane is takenalong section line 14-14 as specified in FIG. 13. The embodimentincorporates a buoyant portion 250 including, but not limited to: abuoy, flotation module, boat, barge, or buoyant platform, that tends tofloat adjacent to an upper surface 264 of a body of water, and anopen-bottomed water column 251/265 portion, including, but not limitedto: a tube, pipe, channel, or chamber.

As the buoy 250 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 264 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the water266 partially enclosed within the water column 251/265 rises and falls,and, as it does so, water flows 267 into, and out of, the water column'smouth 268. The water 266 within the water column 251/265 rises and falls269, at least in part, due to the changes in the pressure of the wateradjacent to the bottom mouth 268 of the water column that result fromchanges in the depth of the bottom mouth of the water column. The depthof, and water pressure around, the bottom mouth of the water columnchange, at least in part, because as waves lift and let fall the buoy,the buoy's vertical movements are imperfectly synchronized with thesurfaces of those waves, thereby effectively changing the depth of thewater column's mouth 268. The water 266 within the water column 251/265also rises and falls 269, at least in part, due to the inertia of thatwater 266 inhibiting that water's ability to accelerate up and down inunison or synchrony with the embodiment 250 and its water column251/265.

When the distance between the top 251 of the water column 265 and theupper surface 270 of the water 266 within the water column 265decreases, the air 271 trapped at the top of the water column 251 iscompressed. When the pressure of that compressed air exceeds thepressure of the air in either of the high-pressure accumulators 253 and252 (in FIG. 13 ), and reaches or exceeds the threshold opening pressureof each high-pressure accumulator's respective one-wayhigh-pressure-accumulator valve (e.g., inside pipe 256), thenpressurized air from air pocket 271 flows through eachhigh-pressure-accumulator's pipe, e.g., 256, and into each respectivehigh-pressure accumulator. At the moment of maximal compression of theair pocket 271, the pressure of the air in each of the two high-pressureaccumulators 253 and 252 (in FIG. 13 ) tends to be approximately equal.

Pressurized air within one 253 of the embodiment's two high-pressureaccumulators flows out 272 through a high-pressure duct 261, energizinga turbine (not visible) therein, and its operatively connected generator(not visible). As pressurized air flows out 272 of the high-pressureaccumulator 253, the pressure of the air within that accumulator isreduced. As the pressure of the air within high-pressure accumulator 253falls, air from the other high-pressure accumulator (252 in FIG. 13 )flows through pipe 257 into high-pressure accumulator 253. As air flowsfrom accumulator 252 to 253, it imparts rotational kinetic energy to,and causes to rotate, turbine 273, positioned within a constrictedportion of pipe 257, which in turn energizes operatively connectedgenerator 259, resulting in the production of electrical power.

When the distance between the top 251 of the water column and the uppersurface 270 of the water 266 within the water column 265, increases, theair 271 trapped at the top of the water column 251 is decompressed, andits pressure is reduced. When the pressure of that decompressed airfalls below the pressure of the air in either of the low-pressureaccumulators 254 and 255 (in FIG. 13 ), and reaches or falls below thethreshold opening pressure of each low-pressure accumulator's respectiveone-way low-pressure-accumulator valves (e.g., inside pipe 274), thenair from the respective low-pressure-accumulators flows through eachlow-pressure-accumulator's pipe, e.g., 274, and into the air pocket 271.At the moment of minimal pressurization of the air pocket 271, thepressure of the air in each of the two low-pressure accumulators 254 and255 (in FIG. 13 ) tends to be approximately equal.

Low-pressure air within one (255 in FIG. 13 ) of the two low-pressureaccumulators draws in a flow of atmospheric air from outside theembodiment through a low-pressure duct (263 in FIG. 13 , and similar tothe low-pressure duct 220 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and12 ), energizing, and causing to rotate, a turbine (not visible)therein, and its operatively connected generator (not visible). As morehighly-pressurized air flows into the low-pressure accumulator (255 inFIG. 13 ) from outside the embodiment, the pressure of the air withinthat accumulator is increased. As the pressure of the air within thatlow-pressure accumulator (255 in FIG. 13 ) increases, that morehighly-pressurized air flows from that low-pressure accumulator (255 inFIG. 13 ) into the other low-pressure accumulator 254 through pipe 258.As air flows from accumulator 255 to 254, it imparts rotational kineticenergy to, and causes to rotate, turbine 275, positioned within aconstricted portion of pipe 258, which in turn energizes operativelyconnected generator 260, resulting in the production of electricalpower.

Much of the interior of buoy 250 is filled with a material 276possessing a density lower than that of water. However, a chamber 277,having the shape of an annular ring positioned about the embodiment'swater column 265, contains water 278, the volume and/or mass of whichmay be varied through the activation of a bi-directional pump (notshown), and a subsequent drawing in of additional water from the body ofwater 264 on which the embodiment floats into ballast chamber 277, or asubsequent discharge from water ballast chamber 277 to the body of water264 on which the embodiment floats. By adjusting the amount and/or massof the water ballast within the embodiment, the embodiment's waterlineand/or its draft may be adjusted.

FIG. 15 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , wherein the horizontal section is takenalong section line 15-15 as specified in FIG. 14 . The embodimentincorporates a buoyant portion 250 that tends to float adjacent to anupper surface of a body of water, and an open-bottomed water column 251.

When the relative motions of the embodiment 250 and the water enclosedwithin the water column 251 cause a pocket of air located within anupper portion of the water column 251 to be compressed, then, when thepressure of that air is great enough, the pressurized air forces opentwo one-way valves (not shown), one each in a pair of pipes 256 and 279,each of the pipes of which connects to a respective high-pressureaccumulator 253 and 252, and the pressurized air flows 280 and 281 fromthe air pocket within water column 251 into the respective high-pressureaccumulators 253 and 252. Arrows 280 and 281 show the flow ofpressurized air from water column 251 into high-pressure accumulators252 and 253, through pipes 256 and 279 and past the respective one-wayvalves (not shown) therein.

High-pressure air within high-pressure accumulator 253 flows up and outof high-pressure accumulator 253 through the channel 282 withinhigh-pressure duct 261 and the turbine (not shown) therein, causing agenerator (not shown) operatively connected to that turbine to generateelectrical power.

As the pressure of the air within high-pressure accumulator 253 falls,high-pressure air from high-pressure accumulator 252 flows 283/284through pipe 257, and through turbine 273, positioned within aconstricted portion of pipe 257, therein, into the relativelylower-pressure accumulator 253, causing generator 259 operativelyconnected to turbine 273 to generate electrical power.

When the relative motions of the embodiment 250 and the water enclosedwithin the water column 251 cause a pocket of air located with an upperportion of the water column 251 to be expanded and decompressed, therebyreducing its pressure, then, when the pressure of that air is lowenough, that partial vacuum draws open two one-way valves, one each in apair of pipes 285 and 286, each pipe of which connects to a respectivelow-pressure accumulator 254 and 255, and air flows 287 and 288 from therespective low-pressure accumulators 254 and 255 into the air pocketwithin water column 251. Arrows 287 and 288 show the flow of air fromlow-pressure accumulators 254 and 255 into water column 251, throughpipes 285 and 286, and past the one-way valves (not shown) therein.

Low-pressure air within low-pressure accumulator 255 draws air down(from the atmosphere above the embodiment) and into low-pressureaccumulator 255 through the channel 289 within low-pressure duct 263 andthe turbine (not shown) therein, causing a generator (not shown)operatively connected to that turbine to generate electrical power.

As the air pressure within low-pressure accumulator 255 increases (dueto the influx of air from outside the embodiment), the relatively lowerpressure air in low-pressure accumulator 254 draws 290/291 therelatively higher pressure air in low-pressure accumulator 255 throughpipe 258, and through turbine 275, positioned within a constrictedportion of pipe 258, therein, into the lower-pressure accumulator 254,causing generator 260 operatively connected to turbine 275 to generateelectrical power.

FIG. 16 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 300 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 301 is incorporated at the centerof buoy 300, and/or is approximately coaxial with a verticallongitudinal axis of radial symmetry of the embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18 has a similar gross structureto that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , namely, theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18 has an upper buoy portioncomprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermostfrustoconical portion. And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/orconnected to a central hollow tubular structure having an uppermostportion positioned inside the buoy portion, and a lowermost portion thatextends out and through the bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy andthe tubular structure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry. While top-down and sectional views are provided of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18 , because of the similarity in thelarge structural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4,and 16-18 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 16-18 are omitted.

Two pairs of high-pressure accumulators 302-303 and 304-305 are attachedto an upper surface of the buoy 300. Each high-pressure accumulator isconnected to a pocket of air positioned in an upper portion of thecentral water column 301 by a respective pipe 306-309. Each pair ofhigh-pressure accumulators is inter-connected by a respectiveinter-accumulator pipe 310 and 311.

Positioned inside a constricted portion of each inter-accumulator pipe310-311 is a turbine (not visible) that is operatively connected to arespective generator 312-313.

Pressurized air flows from one 303 and 305 of each pair of high-pressureaccumulators to the atmosphere through a respective high-pressure duct314 and 315. And, positioned within a constricted portion of eachhigh-pressure duct 314-315 is a respective turbine 316-317 that isoperatively connected to a respective generator (not shown) such thatair flowing through each respective high-pressure duct causes to turneach respective turbine and causes the respective operatively connectedgenerator to generate electrical power.

Air flows from the atmosphere into the air pocket located within anupper portion of the water column 301, when the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket is less than the ambient atmospheric pressureoutside the embodiment, through a low-pressure duct 318 positioned atthe top of the water column 301. Low-pressure duct 318 is similar to thelow-pressure duct 220 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 .

A turbine (not visible) is positioned within low-pressure duct 318 andis operatively connected to a generator (not visible) such that airflowing through the low-pressure duct causes to turn the turbine thereinand causes the operatively connected generator to generate electricalpower.

FIG. 17 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 16 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 17-17 as specified in FIG. 16 . The embodiment incorporatesa buoyant portion 300/319 including, but not limited to: a buoy,flotation module, boat, barge, or buoyant platform, that tends to floatadjacent to an upper surface 320 of a body of water, and anopen-bottomed water column 301/321 portion, including, but not limitedto: a tube, pipe, channel, or chamber.

As the buoy 300 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 320 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the water322 partially enclosed within the water column 301/321 rises and falls,and water flows 323 into, and out of, the water column's mouth 324. Thewater 322 within the water column 301/321 rises and falls 325, at leastin part, due to the changes in the pressure of the water adjacent to thebottom mouth 324 of the water column that result from changes in thedepth of the bottom mouth of the water column. The depth of, and waterpressure around, the bottom mouth of the water column change, at leastin part, because as waves lift and let fall the buoy, the buoy'svertical movements are imperfectly synchronized with the surfaces ofthose waves, thereby effectively changing the depth of the watercolumn's mouth 324. The water 322 within the water column 301/321 alsorises and falls 325, at least in part, due to the inertia of that water322 inhibiting that water's ability to accelerate up and down in unisonor synchrony with the embodiment 300 and its water column 301/321.

When the distance between the top 301 of the water column and the uppersurface 326 of the water 322 within the water column 321, decreases, theair 327 trapped at the top of the water column 301 is compressed. Whenthe pressure of that compressed air exceeds the pressure of the air inany of the high-pressure accumulators 303 and 304 (and 302 and 305 inFIG. 16 ), and reaches or exceeds the threshold opening pressure of eachhigh-pressure accumulator's respective one-way high-pressure-accumulatorvalve (e.g., not shown) inside pipes 307 and 308 (and 306 and 309 inFIG. 16 ), then pressurized air from air pocket 327 flows through eachhigh-pressure-accumulator's pipe, e.g., 307 and 308, and into eachrespective high-pressure accumulator. e.g., 303 and 304. At the momentof maximal compression of the air pocket 327, the pressure of the air ineach of the embodiment's four high-pressure accumulators 303 and 304(and 302 and 305 in FIG. 16 ) should be approximately equal.

Pressurized air within one 303 and 305 (in FIG. 16 ) of the twohigh-pressure accumulators in each inter-connected pair of accumulatorsflows out, e.g. 328, through a respective high-pressure duct, e.g., 314,energizing, and causing to rotate, a respective turbine therein, and itsrespective operatively connected generator (not visible). As pressurizedair flows out, e.g., 328, from one 303 and 305 of the two high-pressureaccumulators in each inter-connected pair of accumulators, the pressureof the air within that accumulator is reduced. As the pressure of theair within that one high-pressure accumulator, e.g., 303, in each pairof inter-connected accumulators falls, air from the otherinter-connected high-pressure accumulator 304 and (302 in FIG. 16 )flows through the interconnecting pipe 310 and 311 into thecorresponding partially depressurized high-pressure accumulator 303 and305. As air flows from the more highly pressurized accumulator 302 and304 in each pair of accumulators to its inter-connected lesserpressurized “partner” accumulator 303 and 305, respectively, it impartsrotational kinetic energy to, and causes to rotate, the interconnectingpipe-specific turbine 329 and 330, respectively, therein, which in turnenergizes a respective operatively connected generator 312 and 313,respectively, resulting in the production of electrical power.

When the distance between the top 301 of the water column and the uppersurface 326 of the water 322 within the water column 321, increases, theair 327 trapped at the top of the water column 301 is decompressed, andits pressure is reduced. When a requisite threshold pressure differenceis reached, the greater pressure of the air outside the embodiment,pushes open four one-way valves, e.g., 331, allowing outside air toenter through the respective openings, e.g., 332, in the low-pressureduct 318. Air flowing through low-pressure duct 318 into air pocket 327flow through, and cause to rotate, turbine 333, energizing the turbineand the operatively connected generator 334, thereby producingelectrical power.

Much of the interior of buoy 300/319 is filled with a material 335possessing a density lower than that of water. However, a chamber 336,having the shape of an annular ring positioned about, and coaxial with,water column 321, contains water 337, the volume and/or mass of whichmay be varied through the activation and control of a bi-directionalpump (not shown). By adjusting the amount and/or mass of the waterballast within the embodiment, its waterline and/or its draft may beadjusted.

FIG. 18 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , wherein the horizontal section is takenalong section line 18-18 as specified in FIG. 17 . The embodimentincorporates a buoyant portion 300 that tends to float adjacent to anupper surface of a body of water, and an open-bottomed water column 301.

When the relative motions of the embodiment 300 and the water enclosedwithin the water column 301 cause a pocket of air located within anupper portion of the water column 301 to be compressed, then, when thepressure of that air is great enough, the pressurized air forces openfour one-way valves (not shown), each one positioned in a respectivepipe 306-309, each pipe connecting a respective high-pressureaccumulator 302-305 to an upper portion of the central water column 301wherein the pocket of air tends to be present, and from whichpressurized air flows, e.g., 338, into the respective high-pressureaccumulators 302-305. Arrows, e.g., 338, show the flow of pressurizedair from water column 301 into high-pressure accumulators 302-305,through respective connecting pipes 306-309 and past the one-way valvestherein.

High-pressure air within high-pressure accumulators 303 and 305 flows upand out of those high-pressure accumulators through the channels, e.g.339, in the respective high-pressure ducts 314 and 315 and throughrespective turbines (not visible, and similar to the turbine 211 in FIG.12 ) therein, causing respective generators (not visible, and similar tothe generator 236 in FIG. 12 ) operatively connected to those turbinesto generate electrical power.

As the high-pressure within high-pressure accumulators 303 and 305falls, high-pressure air from respective connected high-pressureaccumulators 302 and 304 flows, e.g., 342/343 through respectiveinterconnecting pipes 310 and 311, and through respective turbines 340and 341 therein, into the relatively lower-pressure accumulators 303 and305, causing the respective generators 312 and 313 operatively connectedto turbines 340 and 341 to generate electrical power.

When the relative motions of the embodiment 300 and the water enclosedwithin the water column 301 cause the pocket of air located within anupper portion of the water column 301 to be decompressed, therebyreducing its pressure, then, when the pressure of that air is lowenough, that partial vacuum draws open four one-way valves (e.g., 331 inFIG. 17 ) positioned within respective venting apertures (e.g., 332 inFIG. 17 ) within low-pressure (or “intake”) duct 318, and outside air atatmospheric pressure flows, e.g., 344, into the depressurized air pocketwithin water column 301. Arrows, e.g., 344, show the flow of air fromlow-pressure/intake duct 318 into water column 301. When air is drawninto the water column 301 through low-pressure/intake duct 318, that airflows through a turbine (333 in FIG. 17 ) positioned within aconstricted portion of the duct, causing a generator (334 in FIG. 17 )operatively connected to the turbine to generate electrical power.

FIG. 19 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 350 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 351 is incorporated and/orpositioned at the center of buoy 350.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 has an upper buoyportion comprised of an approximately cylindrical portion. Unlike theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the buoy of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 is not radially symmetrical and lacks afrustoconical bottom portion. Like the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1 and 4 , the upper buoy portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.19 and 20 is attached and/or connected to a central hollow tubularstructure having an uppermost portion positioned inside the buoyportion, and a lowermost portion that extends out and through the bottomof the buoy, such that the buoy and the tubular structure share anominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximate radial symmetry.While top-down and sectional views are provided of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 , because of the similarity in the largestructural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and11-12 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20 are omitted.

A high-pressure accumulator 352 is attached to an upper surface of thebuoy 350. The high-pressure accumulator 352 is connected to the centralwater column 351 by a pipe 353 containing a pressure-actuated one-wayvalve (not visible) which opens when the air inside an upper portion ofthe water column 351 reaches or exceeds a threshold pressure and whenthe pressure of that air exceeds the pressure of the air inside thehigh-pressure accumulator 352.

When an air pocket inside an upper portion of the water column 351 iscompressed by the water within the water column, if the pressure issufficient, the one-way valve within pipe 353 is forced open and aportion of the pressurized air within the air pocket within an upperportion of the water column 351 flows into the high-pressure accumulator352 through pipe 353.

Pressurized air within high-pressure accumulator 352 flows into theatmosphere outside the embodiment 350 through three exhaust ducts354-356, each containing a respective turbine 357-359, with each turbinebeing operatively connected to a respective generator (not shown), suchthat when pressurized air flows out of the high-pressure accumulator352, and through each respective turbine, electrical power is generatedby each respective operatively connected generator.

A low-pressure accumulator 360 is also attached to an upper surface ofthe buoy 350. The low-pressure accumulator 360 is connected to thecentral water column 351 by a pipe 361 containing a pressure-actuatedone-way valve (not visible) which opens when the air inside the watercolumn 351 reaches or falls below a threshold pressure and when thepressure of that air falls below the pressure of the air inside thelow-pressure accumulator 360.

When the air pocket inside an upper portion of the water column 351 isdecompressed, and its pressure is reduced, by the water within the watercolumn moving in a downward direction relative to the top of buoy 350,then if the pressure of the air within that air pocket is sufficientlylow, the one-way valve within pipe 361 is forced open and a portion ofthe more highly pressurized air within the low-pressure accumulator 360flows into the air pocket within the water column 351.

Depressurized air within low-pressure accumulator 360 draws inadditional air from the atmosphere outside the embodiment 350 throughthree intake ducts 362-364, each containing a respective turbine365-367, with each turbine being operatively connected to a respectivegenerator (not shown), such that when air flows into the low-pressureaccumulator 360 from outside the embodiment 350, and through eachrespective turbine, electrical power is generated by each respectiveoperatively connected generator.

FIG. 20 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 19 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 20-20 as specified in FIG. 19 . The embodiment incorporatesa buoyant portion 350 including, but not limited to: a buoy, flotationmodule, boat, barge, or buoyant platform, that tends to float adjacentto an upper surface 368 of a body of water, and an open-bottomed watercolumn 351 portion, including, but not limited to: a tube, pipe,channel, or chamber.

As the buoy 350 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 368 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the water369 partially enclosed within the water column 351 rises and fallswithin that water column, as water flows 370 into, and out of, the watercolumn's mouth 371. The water 369 within the water column 351 rises andfalls 372, at least in part, due to the changes in the pressure of thewater adjacent to the bottom mouth 371 of the water column that resultfrom changes in the depth of the bottom mouth 371 of the water column351. The depth of, and water pressure around, the bottom mouth of thewater column change, at least in part, because as waves lift and letfall the buoy, the buoy's vertical movements are imperfectlysynchronized with the surfaces of those waves, thereby effectivelychanging the depth of the water column's mouth 371. The water 369 withinthe water column 351 also rises and falls 372, at least in part, due tothe inertia of that water 369 inhibiting that water's ability toaccelerate up and down in unison or synchrony with the embodiment 350and its water column 351 (i.e., and the structural tube of which thewater column 351 is, at least in part, comprised).

When the water 369 within the water column 351 rises relative to theembodiment and/or an upper surface of the embodiment, a pocket of air373, trapped above an upper surface 375 of the water 369 within thewater column 351, is compressed, and the pressure of the air therein isincreased. At a sufficient pressure, the pressure-actuated one-way valve374 opens and a portion of the pressurized air within the air pocket 373flows into a high-pressure accumulator 352.

When the pressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator 352 isgreater than the pressure of the air outside the embodiment (e.g.,greater than atmospheric pressure), then at least a portion of thatpressurized air flows out, e.g., 376-377, of the high-pressureaccumulator 352 and into the air above the embodiment 350. In order toflow out of the high-pressure accumulator 352, the pressurized air mustflow through one of the embodiment's three high-pressure ducts, e.g.,354 and 356 connected thereto, and through one of the three respectiveturbines, e.g., 357, positioned, one each, within those high-pressureducts. As outflowing air energizes, and causes to rotate, the turbinesin the high-pressure ducts, a generator (not shown) operativelyconnected to each respective turbine is energized and generateselectrical power.

By utilizing turbines that resist the outflow of pressurized air todifferent degrees, or that are optimized with respect to flows ofdiffering rates and/or pressures, the differently sized, configured,and/or designed, high-pressure ducts, turbines, and/or associatedgenerators, can improve the efficiency through which energy is extractedfrom the embodiment's wave-induced pressurization of air across abroader range of wave energies.

As an example, and by no means as a limitation, such differentiallyoptimized high-pressure ducts, turbines, and/or generators, permit anembodiment to efficiently extract energy from the relatively smallvolumes of relatively modestly pressurized air that tends to be producedby the air pocket 373 when the embodiment operates in sea states and/orenvironmental conditions characterized by relatively weak waves, andcorrespondingly relatively weak wave energies. For instance, if thesmaller high-pressure ducts 355 and 356, turbines 358 and 359, and/orassociated generators (not shown), permit air of relatively lesspressurization to pass through relatively easily, while extractingenergy from such flows relatively efficiently, while at the same timethe larger high-pressure duct 354, turbine 357, and/or associatedgenerator (not shown), tend to inhibit and/or obstruct the flow of suchweakly pressurized air, then the embodiment can extract energy from weakwaves relatively efficiently.

Likewise, such differentially optimized high-pressure ducts, turbines,and/or generators, might permit that same embodiment to efficientlyextract energy from the relatively large volumes of relatively highlypressurized air that tends to be produced by the air pocket 373 when theembodiment operates in sea states and/or environmental conditionscharacterized by relatively vigorous waves, and correspondinglyrelatively large wave energies. For instance, if the smallerhigh-pressure ducts 355 and 356, turbines 358 and 359, and/or associatedgenerators (not shown), permit only a limited rate of flow of air fromthe high-pressure accumulator, and if the larger high-pressure duct 354,turbine 357, and/or associated generator (not shown), permit asubstantially greater rate of air flow when that air is highlypressurized, then smaller ducts optimized for low rates of flow andweaker pressures will not significantly diminish the efficiency withwhich energy is captured by the embodiment if the larger duct isoptimized for high pressures and if most of the highly pressurized airflows through that larger duct.

The efficiency of the embodiment (or of a similar embodiment) may beimproved when the relative resistance to flow through the threedifferently-sized high-pressure ducts is actively controlled and/oradjusted by an embodiment-specific control system. The efficiency ofenergy capture across a broad range of flow rates and pressures can alsobe improved through the incorporation within the high-pressureaccumulator and/or within the high-pressure ducts of additional activelycontrolled valves to control, adjust, distribute, and/or direct, theoutflow of pressurized air through the differently-sized high-pressureducts, turbines, and generators, or through all of those ducts,turbines, and generators, especially through the control of the specificproportions, volumes, and/or rates of flow, with which pressurized airfrom within the high-pressure accumulator 352 is partitioned between thehigh-pressure ducts of varying sizes, efficiencies, and/or optimal ratesand pressures of flow.

The adjustment of the relative rates at which pressurized air flowsthrough the differently-sized high-pressure ducts can also be achieved,controlled, and/or manifested, through a related control of the relativedegrees of resistive torques imparted to the turbines in each type ofhigh-pressure duct by its respective generator, alternator, and/or otherconsumer of its rotational kinetic energy. The adjustment of therelative rates at which pressurized air flows through thedifferently-sized high-pressure ducts can also be achieved, controlled,and/or manifested, through a related control of the guide vanesassociated with, and/or integral to, each of the respective turbines.

When the water 369 within the water column 351 falls relative to theembodiment and/or an upper surface thereof, the pocket of air 373,trapped above an upper surface 375 of the water 369 within the watercolumn 351, is decompressed, and the pressure of the air therein isdecreased. At a sufficiently low pressure, the pressure-actuated one-wayvalve 378 opens and a portion of the relatively more-greatly pressurizedair within the low-pressure accumulator 360 flows into the air pocket373.

When the pressure of the air within the low-pressure accumulator 360 isless than the pressure of the air outside the embodiment (e.g., lessthan atmospheric pressure), then some of that air outside the embodimentwill tend to flow, e.g., 379-380, in to the low-pressure accumulator360. In order to flow into the low-pressure accumulator 360, the outsideair must flow through one of the embodiment's three low-pressure ducts,e.g., 362 and 364, connected thereto, and through one of the threerespective turbines, e.g., 365, positioned, one each, within thoselow-pressure ducts. As inflowing air energizes the turbines in theirrespective low-pressure ducts, a generator operatively connected to eachrespective turbine is energized and generates electrical power.

By utilizing turbines that resist the inflow of outside air to differentdegrees, or that are optimized with respect to flows of differing ratesand/or pressures, the differently sized, configured, and/or designed,low-pressure ducts, turbines, and/or associated generators, can improvethe efficiency through which energy is extracted from the embodiment'swave-induced pressurization of air across a broader range of waveenergies.

Water 381 entrained within a hollow chamber 382 within buoy 350increases the mass, weight, and inertia of the buoy (i.e., thereinserving as ballast) affecting the embodiment's draft, and the verticalposition of its waterline. A pump and associated pipes (not shown) allowthe embodiment's control system (not shown) to increase or decrease theamount, volume, mass, or level, of water 381 stored within the buoy,thereby raising or lowering, respectively, the embodiment's waterline,and increasing or decreasing the embodiment's draft. This ability of theembodiment's control system to adjust the embodiment's draft allows thecontrol system to optimize the draft, and associated water plane area,of the embodiment with respect to the significant wave height, period,wind speed, wind direction, current speed, current direction, and/or anyother relevant environmental and/or operational factor. By reducing theembodiment's draft during storms, the control system can minimize therisk of structural damage to the embodiment that might otherwise resultfrom more energetic wave conditions of those storms.

A bottom surface 383 of the embodiment's buoy 350 is inclined withrespect to a top surface of buoy 350 and/or with respect to the restingsurface 368 of the body of water on which the embodiment floats. Whenthe embodiment 350 falls, e.g., when the downward momentum of theembodiment carries it deeply into the water and/or below the surface 368of the water such that it manifests positive buoyancy potential energy,then the sloped bottom surface 383 of the buoy tends to eject 384 watertoward the shallower end of the inclined bottom 383, thereby tending togenerate a thrust 385 in the opposite direction. In combination with arudder (not shown) or other sources of propulsion it is possible forsuch an embodiment to steer a course in a desired direction and/ortoward or to a desired geospatial location.

FIG. 21 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 400 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 401 is incorporated at the centerof buoy 400.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 has an upper buoyportion comprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermostfrustoconical portion. And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/orconnected to a central hollow tubular structure having an uppermostportion positioned inside the buoy portion, and a lowermost portion thatextends out and through the bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy andthe tubular structure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofradial symmetry.

Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 , the upper portion of thewater column 401 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20extends above the upper surface and/or wall of the respective buoy 400.And, unlike the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , theaccumulators of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 arepositioned outside and above the upper surface and/or wall of therespective buoy 400.

Like the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the upper buoyportion of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 is attachedand/or connected to a central hollow tubular structure having anuppermost portion positioned, at least partially, inside the buoyportion, and a lowermost portion that extends out and through the bottomof the buoy, such that the buoy and the tubular structure share anominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximate radial symmetry.While top-down and sectional views are provided of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 , because of the similarity in the largestructural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and21-22 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22 are omitted.

The embodiment 400 is similar in structure and function to the onesillustrated in FIGS. 5-6, and 16-18 . In response to waves buffeting theembodiment, air is frequently drawn into an air pocket located inside anupper portion of water column 401. When the water in the water columnmoves downward relative to the embodiment, and the pressure of the airin the air pocket is reduced, then air is drawn in from outside theembodiment and passes through an intake duct 402 and the turbine (416 inFIG. 22 ) therein resulting in the generation of electrical power. Whenthe water in the water column moves upward relative to the embodiment,and the pressure of the air in the air pocket located inside an upperportion of water column 40 is increased, then pressurized air opensone-way valves in connecting pipes, e.g., 403, and pressurized air flowsinto one of eight high-pressure accumulators, e.g., 404. Pressurized airwithin each high-pressure accumulator flows out and into the atmospherefrom which it was drawn and/or taken through one or more of a variety ofexhaust ducts, e.g., 405, and the respective turbine(s), e.g., 414,therein resulting in the generation of electrical power.

In the illustrated embodiment 400, each exhaust duct, turbine, andgenerator assembly differs in the degree to which it resists the outwardflow of air, and in the rate at which air may flow out.

The smaller the duct, and respective turbine and generator, the lesserthe resistance it offers to the outflow of air, and the less pressure isrequired to reach a rate of flow close to the maximal possible rate forthat duct, and respective turbine and generator assembly, system, and/ormechanism. A relatively lesser resistance to out flow may be the resultof many elements of the assembly's design and/or configuration,including, but not limited to: the specific design of the turbine, alesser degree of constriction (if any) within the duct proximate to theturbine, and/or a lesser amount of resistive torque imparted to theturbine by the rotatably connected generator or alternator. And, theresistance to out flow through each duct, and respective turbine andgenerator assembly may be controlled and/or adjusted through a varietyof adjustable attributes characteristic of each duct, and respectiveturbine and generator assembly, including, but not limited to: theamount of resistive torque imparted to the turbine by the rotatablyconnected generator or alternator; the angle of attack of the blades ofeach turbine; and the incorporation and utilization of an adjustableflow valve and/or aperture to constrict the flow of air through eachduct, and respective turbine.

By contrast, the larger the duct and respective turbine, the greater theresistance it offers to the outflow of air, and the greater the airpressure required to reach a rate of flow close to the maximal possiblerate characteristic of the duct and respective turbine. A relativelygreater resistance to out flow may be the result of many elements of theassembly's design and/or configuration, including, but not limited to:the specific design of the turbine, a greater degree of constriction (ifany) within the duct proximate to the turbine, and/or a greater amountof resistive torque imparted to the turbine by the rotatably connectedgenerator or alternator. And, the resistance to out flow through eachduct, and respective turbine and generator assembly may be controlledand/or adjusted through a variety of adjustable attributescharacteristic of each duct, and respective turbine and generatorassembly, including, but not limited to: the amount of resistive torqueimparted to the turbine by the rotatably connected generator oralternator; the angle of attack of the blades of each turbine; and theincorporation and utilization of an adjustable flow valve and/oraperture to constrict the flow of air through each duct, and respectiveturbine.

Because of the variety of exhaust ducts, turbines, and associatedgenerators, each of which may be designed and/or configured within asingle assembly, system, or mechanism to offer a different and/or uniquerange of optimal flow rates and/or pressures, the breadth of waveenergies over which the embodiment will exhibit favorable, if notoptimal, energy extraction can be quite large.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 ,utilizes dynamic control of the amount of resistive torque imparted byeach generator (or alternator) to its respective turbine in order tobetter optimize the efficiency with which energy is extracted from thepressurized air generated in response to any particular waveenvironment.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 ,includes additional one-way valves that open to allow the flow of airthrough each exhaust duct when, and only when, a requisite pressure isachieved or exceeded within the respective accumulator. For example, theone-way valves regulating the out flow of air through the smallest ductsmay open most easily and/or in response to the lowest accumulatorpressures, while the one-way valves regulating the out flow of airthrough the largest ducts may require the highest accumulator pressuresin order to open. In a similar embodiment, such one-way valves openwhen, and only when, the accumulator pressure is within a specific rangeof pressures, and they close when the accumulator pressure is outsidesuch a range of pressures.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 ,includes additional one-way valves that are actively controlled by anembodiment-specific control system (not shown) which opens a specificassortment or subset of ducts (e.g., while also adjusting the resistivetorques created by each generator and imparted to each respective“active” duct's turbine) so as to direct or limit the flow of airthrough specific ducts and thereby optimize the extraction of energyfrom rates and pressures of pressurized accumulator air arising as aconsequence of the embodiment's interaction with specific waveconditions.

Exhaust ducts of differing sizes (e.g., differing diameters, differingcross-sectional areas normal to the direction of flow, etc.), and theirsimilarly differently-sized turbines (e.g., turbines of differentdiameters, cross-sectional areas, etc.) may differ in their nominalrates of air flow, pressures of flow, etc., due to many design,configurational, and/or operational, characteristics. Likewise, theducts and turbines connected to, and or receiving pressurized air from,two different high-pressure accumulators on the embodiment, may differin their nominal rates and/or pressures of flow. As a result, thoserespective accumulators may contain air at differing pressures whencompressed air flows in to them following a compression of the airpocket in water column 401. Such differing initial pressures may offersignificant improvements to energy capture efficiency. An accumulator(or a duct and turbine directly connected to the water column) can onlyreceive air from the water column's compressed air pocket if thepressure of the air in that compressed air pocket is greater than thepressure of the air already inside the accumulator. Therefore, havingone or more accumulators in which the pressure of the air already insidethem is relatively low allows compressed air to flow into them when thepressure of that compressed air is not yet great. Furthermore, and bycontrast, having one or more accumulators in which the pressure of theair already inside them is relatively high allows the relatively steady,constant and unbroken generation of electrical power derived from therelatively steady flow of that air out of those accumulators.

Maintaining at least a two-part energy extraction profile, andpreferably a multi-part energy extraction profile, e.g. through theincorporation, utilization, and/or differential regulation, of two ormore accumulators, ducts, turbines, and generators, can providerelatively quick bursts of energy capture that consume relatively largevolumes of compressed air and thereby can tend to increase the totalenergy captured by an embodiment by processing a greater portion of thecompressed air being generated by the embodiment, while also providinggreater continuity of energy capture thereby reducing need for batteriesand/or other types of energy storage, which is especially important foran embodiment that will use the power it generates to carry out someenergy-consuming process such as executing computational work,generating chemical fuels, etc., which are best performed with arelatively steady and/or constant supply of energy.

FIG. 22 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 21 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 22-22 as specified in FIG. 21 . The embodiment incorporatesa buoyant portion 400 including, but not limited to: a buoy, flotationmodule, boat, barge, or buoyant platform, that tends to float adjacentto an upper surface 406 of a body of water, and an open-bottomed watercolumn 401 portion, including, but not limited to: a tube, pipe,channel, or chamber.

As the buoy 400 rises and falls in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 406 of the body of water on which the buoy floats, the water407 partially enclosed within the water column 401 rises and falls, andwater flows 408 into, and out of, the water column's mouth 409. Thewater 407 within the water column 401 rises and falls 410, at least inpart, due to the changes in the pressure of the water adjacent to thebottom mouth 409 of the water column that result from changes in thedepth of the bottom mouth 409 of the water column 401. The depth of, andwater pressure around, the bottom mouth of the water column change, atleast in part, because as waves lift and let fall the buoy, the buoy'svertical movements are imperfectly synchronized with the surfaces ofthose waves, thereby effectively changing the depth of the watercolumn's mouth 409. The water 407 within the water column 401 also risesand falls 410, at least in part, due to the inertia of that water 407inhibiting that water's ability to accelerate up and down in unison orsynchrony with the embodiment 400 and its water column 401 (i.e., andthe structural tube of which the water column 401 is, at least in part,comprised).

When the water 407 within the water column 401 rises relative to theembodiment and/or an upper surface thereof, a pocket of air 411, trappedabove an upper surface 412 of the water 407 within the water column 401,is compressed, and the pressure of the air therein is increased. At asufficient pressure, eight pressure-actuated one-way valves, e.g., 413,open and a portion of the pressurized air within the air pocket 411flows into a respective eight high-pressure accumulators, e.g., 404.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 411 again falls, theeight one-way valves, e.g., 413, close, sealing and/or trapping highpressure air within the respective accumulators, e.g., 404.

High-pressure air within the accumulators flows out through the variousexhaust ducts, e.g., 405, and the respective turbines, e.g., 414,therein. The exhaust ducts connected to the high-pressure accumulatorsare of multiple sizes, cross-sectional areas, relative degrees ofconstriction, etc., and may differ with respect to other designcharacteristics as well. Each turbine is operatively connected to agenerator (not shown) such that the spinning of the turbine that resultsfrom a flowing of air through it causes the turbine's operativelyconnected generator to generate electrical power.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 411 falls below athreshold pressure (e.g., below atmospheric pressure or 1 atmosphere) aone-way valve 415 within an intake duct 402 opens and allows air fromoutside the embodiment 400 to flow into the air pocket 411 within thewater column 401, thereby flowing through a turbine 416 therein, andcausing a generator (not shown) operatively connected to the turbine togenerate electrical power.

Water 417 entrained within a hollow chamber 418 within buoy 400increases the mass, weight and inertia of the buoy (i.e., serving asballast) affecting the embodiment's draft, and the vertical position ofits waterline. A pump and associated pipes (not shown) allow theembodiment's control system (not shown) to increase or decrease theamount, volume, mass, or level, of water 417 stored within the buoy,thereby raising or lowering, respectively, the embodiment's waterline,and increasing or decreasing the embodiment's draft. This ability of theembodiment's control system to adjust the embodiment's draft allows thecontrol system to optimize the draft, and associated water plane area,of the embodiment with respect to the significant wave height, period,wind speed, wind direction, current speed, current direction, and/or anyother relevant environmental and/or operational factor. By reducing theembodiment's draft during storms, the control system can minimize therisk of structural damage to the embodiment that might otherwise resultfrom more energetic wave conditions of those storms.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 22 does notincorporate a turbine 416 within the intake duct 402 and instead allowsair from outside the embodiment to flow freely, without restriction orobstruction, into the air pocket 411 when the intake duct's one-wayvalve 415 opens.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 22 incorporates apressure-actuated one-way valve within one or more exhaust ducts, e.g.,405, in order to obstruct the flow of air out of the respectivehigh-pressure accumulator at accumulator air pressures less than thethreshold pressure required to open each valve. The valves incorporatedwithin, and governing the flow through, different exhaust ducts may havedifferent threshold opening pressures. An embodiment similar to the oneillustrated in FIG. 22 incorporates actively controlledpressure-actuated one-way valves permitting the embodiment's controlsystem to regulate, control, and/or adjust the flow of air within, into,and/or out of, the embodiment, and/or into and/or through any of itsducts and respective turbines.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 22 incorporates anactively (e.g., electronically) controlled one-way valve within one ormore exhaust ducts, e.g., 405, in order to provide anembodiment-specific control system with the ability to dynamicallyobstruct the flow of air out of the respective high-pressureaccumulator. The control system is then able to orchestrate the flow ofpressurized air through various ducts and subsets ofaccumulator-specific ducts in order to maximize the efficiency withwhich energy is extracted from the pressurized air within the variousaccumulators, and/or in order to maximize the continuity and constancywith which energy is generated by the duct-specific turbines.

FIG. 23 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 430 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column (not visible) is incorporated nearthe center of a buoy 400 (with respect to a horizontal plane) and ispositioned so as to be approximately coaxial with a nominally verticallongitudinal axis of the embodiment.

The embodiment contains a high-pressure accumulator (not visible) and alow-pressure accumulator (not visible) within its buoy 430. A singlepipe 431-433 connects the high-pressure accumulator to the low-pressureaccumulator. And a turbine (not visible) within a center portion 432 ofthe pipe 431-433 extracts energy from air that flows through the pipefrom the high-pressure accumulator to the low-pressure accumulator.

FIG. 24 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 23 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 24-24 as specified in FIG. 23 . The embodiment 430 floatsadjacent to an upper surface 434 of a body of water. A tubular “watercolumn” structure 435 with an open bottom 436 allows water to travel 437in and out of the water column 435.

As the embodiment 430 rises and falls in response to passing waves,water 438 within the water column 435 rises and falls 439 althoughtypically not in phase with the rising and falling of the embodiment.The phase-misaligned rising and falling of the water 438 within thewater column 435 tends to cause a cyclical compressing and decompressingof a pocket of air 440 trapped at the top of the water column 435. Whenthe water 438 within the water column 435 rises relative to theembodiment, and relative to the air pocket 440, the air within that airpocket is compressed and the pressure of the air therein is increased.When the water 438 within the water column 435 falls relative to theembodiment, and relative to the air pocket 440, the air within that airpocket is decompressed and the pressure of the air therein is reduced.As waves drive the embodiment up and down, the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 440 tends to be cyclically raised and lowered.

When the pressure of the air within air pocket 440 is less than thepressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator 443, a one-wayvalve 441 positioned within connecting pipe 442, and able to open andclose, is closed, preventing any flow of air from the high-pressureaccumulator 443 to and/or into the air pocket 440. However, when the airwithin the air pocket 440 is compressed, and when that air's pressurebecomes greater than the pressure of the air within high-pressureaccumulator 443, the one-way valve 441 positioned within connecting pipe442, and able to open and close, opens allowing pressurized air fromwithin the air pocket 440 to flow into the accumulator 443. When thepressure of the air within the air pocket 440 subsequently falls belowthe pressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator 443, theone-way valve 441 closes and prevents the backflow of air through thepipe 442 from the high-pressure accumulator 443 to and/or into the airpocket 440.

When the air within the air pocket 440 is compressed, and that air'spressure is greater than the pressure of the air within the low-pressureaccumulator 446, a one-way valve 444 positioned within connecting pipe445, and able to open and close, is closed, preventing any flow of airbetween from the air pocket 440 into the low-pressure accumulator 446.However, when the air within the air pocket 440 is decompressed, andwhen that air's pressure becomes less than the pressure of the airwithin low-pressure accumulator 446, the one-way valve 444 positionedwithin connecting pipe 445, and able to open and close, opens allowingthe partial vacuum within the air pocket 440 to draw into itself morehighly pressurized air from the low-pressure accumulator 446. When thepressure of the air within the air pocket 440 subsequently rises abovethe pressure of the air within the low-pressure accumulator 446, theone-way valve 444 closes and prevents the backflow of air from the airpocket 440 into the low-pressure accumulator 446 through the pipe 445.

As the embodiment rises and falls on passing waves, pressurized airflows from the air pocket 440 into the high-pressure accumulator 443,and air is drawn from the low-pressure accumulator 446 into the airpocket 440, thereby tending to create a cyclical passage and/or flow ofair through the embodiment's closed and/or sealed air circulationpathway.

During the cyclic adding of pressurized air to the high-pressureaccumulator 443, and the cyclic removal of air from the low-pressureaccumulator 446, high pressure air within the high-pressure accumulator443 tends to flow into and through pipe 431 and into and through pipe432 where it passes through, energizes, and causes to rotate, turbine447, thereby energizing operatively connected generator 448 andgenerating electrical power. The flowing air then continues through pipe433 and is drawn into the low-pressure accumulator 446. Thus, air flowsin a circuit or closed loop comprising flowing from the air pocket tothe high-pressure accumulator, from the high-pressure accumulator to theturbine, from the turbine to the low-pressure accumulator, and from thelow-pressure accumulator to the air pocket. The conflicting andout-of-phase momenta and/or movements of the water 438 in theembodiment's water column 435 and the embodiment itself (including theembodiment's water ballast 449) tends to cause a cyclical compressingand decompressing of the air trapped in the air pocket 440. And, thatcyclical variation of pressure within the embodiment's air pocket drivesair through the closed loop that includes the turbine 447 and tends toresult in the generation of electrical power.

Water 449 entrained within a hollow chamber 450 within buoy 430increases the mass, weight, and inertia of the buoy (i.e., thereinserving as ballast) affecting the embodiment's draft, and the verticalposition of its waterline. A pump and associated pipes (not shown) allowthe embodiment's control system (not shown) to increase or decrease theamount, volume, mass, or level, of water 449 stored within the buoy,thereby raising or lowering, respectively, the embodiment's waterline,and increasing or decreasing the embodiment's draft. This ability of theembodiment's control system to adjust the embodiment's draft allows thecontrol system to optimize the draft, and associated water plane area,of the embodiment with respect to the significant wave height, period,wind speed, wind direction, current speed, current direction, and/or anyother relevant environmental and/or operational factor. By reducing theembodiment's draft during storms, the control system can minimize therisk of structural damage to the embodiment that might otherwise resultfrom more energetic wave conditions of those storms.

FIG. 25 shows a side view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 .

FIG. 26 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 23-25 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 26-26 as specified in FIG. 25. The embodiment 430 floatsadjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (434 in FIG. 25 ). Atubular “water column” structure 435, with an approximately rectangularcross-section with respect to a horizontal section plane, contains anair pocket 440 (i.e., the section plane passes through the air pocket440 and not the water (438 in FIG. 24 ) within the water column 435).

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 440 is greater thanthe pressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator 443, airflows 447 and 448 from air pocket 440 past a one-way valve 441 (i.e.,when the valve has opened as a result a sufficiently high pressurewithin the air pocket 440, and/or a sufficiently great pressuredifference between the air pocket 440 and the high-pressure accumulator443) within a connecting pipe 442 and into a high-pressure accumulator443.

And, when the pressure of the air within the air pocket 440 is less thanthe pressure of the air within the low-pressure accumulator 446, airflows 449 and 447 from the low-pressure accumulator past a one-way valve444 (i.e., when the valve has opened as a result a sufficiently lowpressure within the air pocket 440, and/or a sufficiently great pressuredifference between the high-pressure accumulator 443 and the air pocket440) within a connecting pipe 445 and into the air pocket 440.

Not shown in FIG. 26 , but shown in FIG. 24 , compressed air from thehigh-pressure accumulator 443 flows through a pipe (431 in FIG. 24 ),through a turbine (447 in FIG. 24 ), through a continuation of the pipe(433 in FIG. 24 ), and back into the low-pressure accumulator 446.

Note that the high- and low-pressure accumulators are long rectangularchambers, and that the water column also has a rectangularcross-section.

FIG. 27 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 470 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 471 is incorporated near thecenter of buoy 470 (with respect to a horizontal plane) and isapproximately coaxial with a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofapproximate radial symmetry of the embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 has an upper buoyportion that is defined by an approximately cylindrical envelope. And,the upper buoy portion is attached and/or connected to a central hollowtubular structure having an uppermost portion positioned inside the buoyportion, and a lowermost portion that extends out and through the bottomof the buoy, such that the buoy and the tubular structure share anominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximately radial symmetry.

Unlike the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the buoy of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 is not an integral chamber,but is instead comprised of a set of adjacent and interconnected tubularchambers that are assembled so as to have an approximately cylindricalouter bound and/or envelope. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and28 also lacks a frustoconical bottom portion. Like the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the upper buoy portion and/or tubularassembly of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 is attachedand/or connected to a central hollow tubular structure having anuppermost portion positioned inside that buoy portion, i.e., positionedwithin the assembly of nominally vertical tubes comprising theembodiment's buoy, and a lowermost portion that extends out and throughthe bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy assembly and the tubularstructure share a nominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximateradial symmetry.

While top-down and sectional views are provided of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 , because of the similarity in the largestructural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and27-28 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 27 and 28 are omitted.

Four pairs, e.g., 472-473, 474-475, 476-477, and 478-479, ofinterconnected cylindrical tanks or vessels function as high-pressureaccumulators, receiving from an air pocket within an upper portion ofthe embodiment's water column 471 cyclical and/or periodic infusion ofhigh-pressure air and thereafter caching or buffering a portion of thathigh-pressure air. Four pairs, e.g., 480-481, 482-483, 484-485, and486-487, of interconnected cylindrical tanks or vessels function aslow-pressure accumulators, receiving from the atmosphere outside theembodiment air at approximately atmospheric pressure and cyclicallyand/or periodically releasing it to the water column 471 when thepressure therein falls below that outer atmospheric pressure.

Interspersed between the pairs of accumulator cylinders are cylindricaltanks or vessels 488-495 that provide buoyancy to the embodiment 470,and may contain water (serving as ballast) added or removed by pumps(not shown) controlled by an embodiment-specific control system (notshown).

Connected to a top portion of one cylindrical tank in each high-pressureaccumulator is a duct, e.g., 496, with a respective turbine, e.g., 497,therein. Each turbine is operatively connected to a respectivegenerator, and when air flows out of each high-pressure accumulatorthrough its respective duct, and through its respective turbine therein,electrical power is generated by the operatively connected generator.

Likewise, connected to a top portion of one cylindrical tank in eachlow-pressure accumulator is a duct, e.g., 498, with a respectiveturbine, e.g., 499, therein. Each turbine is operatively connected to arespective generator, and when air flows into each low-pressureaccumulator through its respective duct, and through its respectiveturbine therein, electrical power is generated by the operativelyconnected generator.

FIG. 28 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 27 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 28-28 as specified in FIG. 27 . The embodiment 470 floatsadjacent to an upper surface 500 of a body of water. A tubular “watercolumn” structure 471/501 with an open bottom 502 allows water to travel503 in and out of the water column 501

As embodiment 470 rises and falls in response to passing waves, theembodiment is accelerated upward and downward (e.g., in approximateterms the waves move the embodiment in a vertically oscillatory motionin which the speed of movement varies in an approximately sinusoidalfashion). The water 504 within water column 501 has substantial inertiathat inhibits its ability to rise and fall in unison with theembodiment, creating a phase difference in the up-and-down motions ofthe embodiment and the water enclosed within the water column 501.Moreover, because when rising toward a wave crest and falling from itafterwards the embodiment tends to “rise” and “sink” with imperfectsynchronization, the effective draft of the embodiment tends to changeduring a wave cycle. This change in draft causes the pressure of thewater outside the bottom mouth 502 of the water column to vary. Whenthat pressure outside the bottom mouth 502 increases (reflecting aneffectively greater depth of the water column mouth) water tends toenter the water column which tends to cause the surface 506 of thatwater 504 to rise. Conversely, when that pressure outside the bottommouth 502 decreases (reflecting an effectively lesser depth of the watercolumn mouth) water tends to leave the water column which tends to causethe surface 506 of that water 504 to fall.

When the effects of the water's 504 failure to accelerate up and down insynchrony with the water column 501 in which it is enclosed, is combinedwith the variations in the pressure at the mouth 502 of the water column501, the result is a surface 506 of the water 504 within the watercolumn that tends to move up and down out of phase with the up and downmovements of the embodiment. This disparity in upward and downwardmovements of the embodiment and the water 504 within the embodiment'swater column 501 tends to result in a cyclical compression anddecompression of a volume of air (an “air pocket”) 507 located adjacentto the top 471 of the water column 501.

When the air within the air pocket 507 is compressed, and the pressureof that air exceeds the pressure of the air within one or morehigh-pressure accumulators, e.g., accumulator 476-477, then a respectiveone-way valve, e.g., 508, positioned within a respective connectingpipe, e.g., 509, opens and pressurized air flows, e.g., 518, from theair pocket 507 into the innermost and/or centermost tank, e.g., 476, ofthe respective high-pressure accumulator.

The high-pressure air added to the high-pressure accumulator, e.g., 476,tends to push down on the water, e.g., 510, shared by and/or between thetwo high-pressure accumulator tanks, e.g., by 476 and 477, of therespective accumulator. As water 510 is displaced downward within theinnermost and/or centermost tank, e.g., 476, of the respectivehigh-pressure accumulator, water tends to flow 511B through a respectiveconnecting orifice, e.g., 511A, into the respective connected tank,e.g., into 477. The difference 512 in the height of the water in aconnected pair of high-pressure accumulator tanks, e.g., 476 and 477,creates “head pressure” that is exerted against the air trapped in therespective innermost and/or centermost tank, e.g., 476. And, in thisembodiment, the air above the water in the respective outermost tank,e.g., 477, is compressed, storing pressure potential energy in that airand exerting a downward force upon the surface of the water in thatrespective outer tank.

Together, the displaced water and the compressed air resulting from aninflow of pressurized air into any one of the high-pressure accumulatorspreserves a portion of the potential energy of that compressed air. And,while compressed air tends to be added to the high-pressure accumulatorsimpulsively, cyclically, and/or periodically, portions of thatcompressed air tend to flow out of each high-pressure accumulator'srespective duct, e.g., 496, and through each duct's respective turbine,e.g., 497, at a relatively and/or approximately steady rate. Thespinning of each high-pressure accumulator's respective turbineenergizes an operatively connected generator (not shown) and generateselectrical power.

When the volume of the air pocket 507 increases, and the air therein isdecompressed, and the pressure of that air falls below the pressure ofthe air within one or more of the embodiment's low-pressureaccumulators, e.g., accumulator 484-485, then a respective one-wayvalve, e.g., 513, positioned within a respective connecting pipe, e.g.,514, opens and relatively higher-pressure air tends to flow, e.g., 520,from the innermost and/or centermost tank, e.g., 484, of the respectivelow-pressure accumulator, into the air pocket 507. The removal of airfrom the innermost and/or centermost tank, e.g., 484, creates a partialvacuum that pulls up the water, e.g., 515, shared by and/or between thetwo tanks, e.g., shared by 484 and 485, of the respective low-pressureaccumulator.

As water 515 is displaced upward within the innermost and/or centermosttank, e.g., 484, of the respective low-pressure accumulator, water tendsto flow 516B through a respective connecting orifice, e.g., 516A, intothe respective connected tank, e.g., into 484. The difference 517 in theheight of the water in a connected pair of tanks, e.g., 484 and 485,creates “head pressure” that tends to pull against the air trapped inthe respective innermost and/or centermost tank, e.g., 484, therebyreducing its pressure. And, in this embodiment, the air above the waterin the respective outermost tank, e.g., 485, is decompressed, storingpressure potential energy (i.e., as a partial vacuum) in that air andexerting an upward force upon the surface of the water in thatrespective outer tank.

Together, the displaced water and the decompressed air resulting fromthe outflow of air from any one of the low-pressure accumulators intothe air pocket 507 preserves a portion of the potential energy of thatdecompressed air. And, while air tends to be pulled from thelow-pressure accumulators impulsively, cyclically, and/or periodically,atmospheric air tends to flow into, and/or replenish the air within,each low-pressure accumulator's respective duct, e.g., 498, and througheach duct's respective turbine, e.g., 499, at a relatively and/orapproximately steady rate. The spinning of each low-pressureaccumulator's respective turbine energizes an operatively connectedgenerator (not shown) and generates electrical power.

FIG. 29 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 530 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 531 is incorporated near thecenter of buoy 530 (with respect to a horizontal plane) and isapproximately coaxial with a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofapproximate radial symmetry of the embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29-31 has a similar gross structureto that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , namely, theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29-31 has an upper buoy portion, and theupper buoy portion is attached and/or connected to a central hollowtubular structure having an uppermost portion positioned inside the buoyportion, and a lowermost portion that extends out and through the bottomof the buoy, such that the buoy and the tubular structure share anominally vertical longitudinal axis of radial symmetry.

Unlike the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the buoy of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29-31 is not comprised of a singlehollow annular cylindrical structure, but instead is comprised of aninner hollow annular cylindrical structure, and a coaxial outer hollowannular cylindrical structure. Like the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1 and 4 , the upper buoy portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.29-31 is attached and/or connected to a central hollow tubular structurehaving an uppermost portion positioned inside the buoy portion, and alowermost portion that extends out and through the bottom of the buoy,such that the buoy and the tubular structure share a nominally verticallongitudinal axis of approximate radial symmetry.

While top-down and sectional views are provided of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 29-31 , because of the similarity in the largestructural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and29-31 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 29-31 are omitted.

A duct 532 connected to an upper portion of the water column 531contains a one-way valve 533 (partially open in the illustration) and aturbine 534 positioned within the duct 532 below that one-way valve 533so that air flowing through the duct from the atmosphere outside theembodiment into the water column 531, to which it is connected, willtend to energize and/or to cause to rotate the turbine within the ductwhich, in turn, will tend to energize a generator (not shown) to whichthe turbine is operatively connected.

Connected to the water column 531 is an innermost annular chamber 535that functions as both a buoyant element and as a high-pressureaccumulator. The innermost annular chamber 535 is connected by pipes(not visible) to an air pocket at the top of the water column 531. Eachpipe contains a one-way valve (not visible) that regulates the flow ofair between an air pocket at the top of the water column 531, and an airpocket at the top of the annular high-pressure accumulator 535.

Two ducts 536 and 537 connected to an upper portion of the high-pressureaccumulator 535, each contain a respective turbine 538 and 539, so thatair flowing through each duct from the high-pressure accumulator towhich it is connected to the atmosphere outside the embodiment will tendto energize and/or cause to rotate the duct's respective turbine andthereby to energize a generator to which each respective turbine isoperatively connected.

Another larger diameter annular chamber 540, coaxial with the innermostannular chamber 535, is closed, sealed, and/or air tight, and containswater that serves as a ballast for the embodiment. Pumps (not shown) canadd or remove water from the outermost annular chamber 540 in order toalter the mass, weight, and inertia of the embodiment and its draft.

FIG. 30 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 29 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 30-30 as specified in FIG. 29 . The embodiment 530 floatsadjacent to an upper surface 541 of a body of water. A tubular “watercolumn” structure 531 with an open bottom 542 allows water to travel 543in and out of the water column 531.

When the embodiment 530 moves up and down in response to passing waves,the water 544 partially enclosed (except at the bottom 542) within thewater column 531, and an upper surface 557 of that water, tends to move558 up and down relative to the embodiment 530, alternately compressingand decompressing a pocket of air 545 trapped at the top of the watercolumn 531.

When the water 544 moves up relative to the embodiment 530 and the watercolumn 531 therein, the air pocket 545 is compressed. When the pressureof the air in the air pocket 545 is compressed to a point at which it ishigher than the pressure of the air 546 within the high-pressureaccumulator 535, then one-way valves 550 and 551, positioned inside ofrespective connecting pipes or orifices 552 and 553, open andpressurized air tends to flow from the air pocket 545 into thehigh-pressure accumulator 535, thereby pushing down the level, and/orreducing the volume, of the water 547 partially enclosed within theaccumulator 535. Water 547 exits 548 the accumulator 535 through theopen bottom 549 of the accumulator's annular chamber. And, when thevolume or pressure of the air within the accumulator 535 decreases,water enters the accumulator through the same open bottom 549.

High pressure air 546 within the high-pressure accumulator 535 escapesto the atmosphere outside the embodiment through one of two exhaustducts 536 and 537, passing through respective turbines 538 and 539therein. The rotations of those turbines will cause respectiveoperatively connected generators (not shown) to generate electricalpower.

When the water 544 moves down relative to the embodiment 530 and thewater column 531 therein, the air pocket 545 is expanded anddecompressed, and the pressure of the air within that air pocket 545 isreduced. When the pressure of the air within air pocket 545 falls belowthe pressure of the air outside the embodiment (e.g., below atmosphericpressure), then one-way valve 533, inside intake duct 532, opens and airtends to flow from outside the embodiment into the depressurized airpocket 545 within the embodiment's water column 531. The inflowing airpasses through a turbine 534 positioned within the intake duct 532tending to cause that turbine to rotate. A generator (not shown)operatively connected to the turbine 534 generates electrical power inresponse to the turbine's rotations.

If the wave conditions are sufficiently energetic to cause pressurizedair to be added to the high-pressure accumulator faster than it can bevented to the atmosphere, then the water 547 inside the accumulator willbe pushed down further and further within the accumulator chamber 535.As the volume of air within the high-pressure accumulator increases,and, correspondingly, as the volume of water within the high-pressureaccumulator decreases, the buoyancy of the embodiment 530 will increase,and the draft of the embodiment (e.g., the depth of the bottom mouth ofits water column 531) will decrease, eventually raising the outerannular chamber 540 out of the water and significantly decreasing theembodiment's water plane area and its responsiveness to the waves,thereby tending to insulate the embodiment from a significant fractionand/or portion of the potentially excessive wave energy about it.

Conversely, if the wave conditions are sufficiently weak or poor so asto cause pressurized air to be depleted from the high-pressureaccumulator faster than it can be replaced by cyclic and/or sufficientlyvigorous compressions of the air pocket 545, then the air 546 inside theaccumulator will tend to rise higher and higher within the accumulatorchamber 535. As the volume of air within the high-pressure accumulatordecreases, and, correspondingly, as the volume of water within thehigh-pressure accumulator increases, the buoyancy of the embodiment 530will decrease, and the draft of the embodiment (e.g., the depth of thebottom mouth of its water column 531) will tend to increase, eventually,if the outer annular chamber 54—is not already displacing water from thebody of water 541 on which the embodiment floats, lowering the outerannular chamber 540 into of the water 541 and significantly increasingthe embodiment's water plane area and its responsiveness to the waves,thereby enabling the embodiment to capture a greater fraction and/orportion of the wave energy about it.

If the volume of pressurized air within the high-pressure accumulator535 grows large enough, then at some point newly added pressurized airwill push air out of the bottom of the accumulator chamber 535 and atleast a portion of the newly added pressurized air will escape throughthe open bottom 549 of the accumulation chamber 535 as bubbles 554.

The outer annular chamber 540 contains water 555 as ballast. Pumps (notshown) can increase or decrease the volume, weight, and mass of water555 contained or trapped within the outer annular chamber 540 in orderto adjust the mass and draft of the embodiment.

FIG. 31 shows an alternate configuration of the embodiment illustratedin the vertical cross-sectional view embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30 .Whereas the annular chamber of the high-pressure accumulator 535 in theembodiment of FIG. 30 has an open bottom 549 that allows water andsurplus air to exit 548. The annular chamber of the high-pressureaccumulator 535 of the embodiment configuration illustrated in FIG. 31has a closed bottom 549. Water and surplus air within the accumulator535 exits through apertures 556 in side of the annular chamber 535proximate to its bottom 549. The use of a solid bottom on thehigh-pressure accumulator 535 chamber prevents wave-induced up and downmotions of the embodiment from agitating the water inside theaccumulator and causing unwanted oscillations in the pressure of the air546 therein.

FIG. 32 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment 570 of thepresent invention. A buoy 579-581 floats adjacent to an upper surface571 of a body of water. An open-bottomed water column 572 isincorporated near the center of buoy 579-581, and is approximatelycoaxial with a nominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximateradial symmetry of the embodiment.

Two “bi-directional” ducts 573 and 574 (i.e., ducts through which airflows in both vertical directions, and/or both into the embodiment andout from the embodiment) are connected to an upper portion of the watercolumn 572. Positioned inside each duct is a bi-directional turbine (notvisible) so that air flowing 575 and 576 into, or out of, eachrespective duct 573 and 574 tends to impart rotational kinetic energy tothe bi-directional turbine inside each respective duct. Respectivegenerators (not shown) operatively connected to each turbine generateelectrical power in response to rotations of their respective turbines.

A control circuit 577 attached to an upper surface of the embodiment 570opens and closes a valve 578 that, when open, allows air to flow from achamber inside the buoy 570 to the atmosphere outside the embodiment.

An upper portion 579 of the buoy 579-581 of the embodiment has anapproximately cylindrical shape, a middle portion 580 of the buoy579-581 has an approximately frusto-conical shape, and a lower portion581 of the buoy 579-581 has an approximately cylindrical shape. The buoy579-581 is approximately radially symmetrical, and coaxial with thetubular and/or cylindrical water column 572 positioned within it andextending from its lower end. An annular gap and/or channel 582 existsbetween the outer wall, e.g., 581, of the lower cylindrical portion ofbuoy 579-581, and the coaxial cylindrical water column 572, and that gap582 allows water to move freely in and out of a hollow chamber (notvisible) within the buoy.

Water is free to move 583 in and out of the open bottom 584 or mouth ofthe water column 572.

FIG. 33 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 32 , wherein the section plane includes and/orpasses through the centermost nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofapproximate radial symmetry of the embodiment, as well as includesand/or passes through the longitudinal axes of radial symmetry of thetwo bi-directional ducts 573 and 574.

The embodiment 570 floats adjacent to an upper surface 571 of a body ofwater. A tubular “water column” structure 572 with an open bottom 584allows water to travel 583 in and out of the water column 572.

As the embodiment moves up and down in response to passing waves, water597 within the water column 572 tends to move up and down as wellalthough typically out of phase with the movements of the embodiment,causing air trapped within an air pocket 585 in an upper portion ofwater column 572 to be alternately compressed and expanded. When the airpocket 585 is compressed, pressurized air tends to be forced out 575 and576 of bi-directional ducts 573 and 574, tending to cause respectiveturbines 586 and 587, therein to rotate, which, in turn, tends to causerespective generators (not shown) operatively connected to thoseturbines to be energized and to produce electrical power.

When the air pocket 585 is expanded and/or decompressed, and thepressure of the air therein is reduced to a level below that of the airoutside the embodiment, e.g., below atmospheric pressure, then outsideair tends to be drawn in 575 and 576 to the air pocket 585 throughrespective ducts 573 and 574, tending to cause respective turbines 586and 587, therein to rotate, which, in turn, tends to cause respectivegenerators (not shown) operatively connected to those turbines to beenergized and to produce electrical power.

When a controller 588 opens a one-way valve 589 positioned within a pipe590 or aperture connecting the air pocket 585 to a hollow chamber 591within, and/or to the hollow interior of, the buoy 579-581, a portion ofthe compressed air periodically generated within the air pocket 585 isdirected into the chamber 591 forcing at least a portion of a waterballast 593 out 594 of the buoy through an annular opening 582 betweenthe buoy wall 581 and the water column wall 572. When the controllerdetermines that a sufficient volume of compressed air has been injectedinto the chamber 591 it can close the one-way valve 589 and prevent thefurther ingress of compressed air, and the further reduction in thevolume and mass of ballast water 593 within the buoy.

If a sufficient volume of compressed air is directed into the chamber591 so as to drive out approximately all of the water ballast, andapproximately fill the chamber 591 with air, then the embodiment'swaterline can be moved down to a level 595, tending to place thewaterline at the lower cylindrical portion 581 of the buoy. This willtend to have the consequence of moving the average height of the surface596 of the water 597 partially enclosed within the water column 572 downto the same level 598 as the embodiment's waterline 595. Such a changewill greatly increase the volume and height of the air pocket, therebyaccommodating relatively large oscillations in the height 598 of thewater 597, and its upper surface 596, within the water column 572 as itoscillates in response to wave-induced movements of the embodiment. Inthe absence of such an alteration in the height and/or vertical lengthof the air pocket 585, vigorous oscillations in the position of thewater-column water's 597 surface 596 might send water up and out of theducts 573 and 574, and therethrough the respective turbines 586 and 587therein, which might damage those components.

When the embodiment's control system (not shown) determines that it isadvantageous to increase the embodiment's draft and to raise itswaterline 595 (e.g., back to a more nominal position such as at 571),then the control system activates a controller 577 which opens a valve599 positioned within a pipe 578 or orifice connected to, or positionedwithin, an upper surface of the buoy 579 and/or the chamber 591, therebyallowing air within the chamber 591 to vent 600 to the atmosphereoutside the embodiment 570. Such venting allows water 593 to enterand/or rise within the chamber 591 thereby increasing the embodiment'sballast and increasing the embodiment's draft, with the potentialconsequence of increasing the embodiment's waterplane area and itssensitivity to ambient wave motions.

When sufficient air has been released from the chamber 591, and theembodiment's draft has reached its target depth, then the embodiment'scontrol system closes the valve 599 preventing the further egress of airfrom the chamber 591.

FIG. 34 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment 610 of thepresent invention. A buoy 618-620 floats adjacent to an upper surface611 of a body of water. An open-bottomed water column 612 isincorporated near the center of buoy 618-620.

Two exhaust ducts 613 and 614, i.e., ducts through which pressurized airflows 615 and 616, respectively, out of the embodiment, are connected toan upper portion of the embodiment 610. Positioned inside each duct is aturbine (not visible) so that air flowing 615 and 616 out of eachrespective duct 613 and 614 tends to impart rotational kinetic energy toeach respective turbine inside each duct. Respective generators (notshown) operatively connected to each turbine generate electrical powerin response to rotations of their respective turbines.

An intake duct 617, through which atmospheric air outside the embodimentmay flow 639 into the embodiment, is connected to an upper portion ofthe embodiment 610. Positioned inside the duct is a turbine (notvisible) so that air flowing 639 into the duct 617 tends to impartrotational kinetic energy to the turbine therein. A generator (notshown) is operatively connected to the turbine and tends to generateelectrical power in response to rotations of its operatively connectedturbine.

An upper portion 618 of the buoy 618-620 has an approximatelycylindrical shape. A middle portion 619 of the buoy 618-620 has anapproximately frusto-conical shape. Below that middle portion 619 of thebuoy 618-620 has a cylindrical shape and a lateral wall that is offsetfrom the embodiment's approximately cylindrical water column 612,providing an annular gap 621 through which water may flow into and outfrom a hollow chamber (not visible) inside the buoy 610. Air trappedwithin the hollow chamber of the buoy 618-620 may also flow out and intothe water 611 on which the embodiment floats through annular gap 621.

The embodiment's water column 612 is open at the bottom 622 allowingwater to freely move 623 in and out of the water column.

FIG. 35 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 34 , wherein the section plane includes and/orpasses through the nominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximateradial symmetry of the embodiment, and also includes and/or passesthrough the longitudinal axes of radial symmetry of the two ducts 613and 614.

The embodiment 610 floats adjacent to an upper surface 611 of a body ofwater. A tubular “water column” structure 612 with an open bottom 622allows water to travel 623 in and out of the water column 612. As theembodiment 610 moves up and down in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 611 of the water on which the embodiment floats, water 624moves 625 up and down within the water column 612, and typically movesrelative to the embodiment, tending to cause air within an air pocket626 located in an upper portion of the water column 612 to be cyclicallyand/or periodically compressed and expanded, thereby tending to causethe pressure of that air to oscillate between relatively high and lowpressures.

When the pressure of the air within the embodiment's air pocket 626falls below the pressure of the air outside the embodiment, air tends tobe drawn in 639 through an intake duct, vent, aperture, or orifice 617integrated within an upper surface of the water column 612. The intakeduct 617 contains a one-way valve 640 that tends to open when thepressure of the air outside the embodiment exceeds the pressure of theair within the air pocket 626, thereby allowing atmospheric air to enterthe air pocket 626. The intake duct's 617 one-way valve 640 tends toclose when the pressure inside the air pocket 626 is greater than orequal to the pressure of the air outside the embodiment.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 626 becomes greaterthan the pressure of the air within a hollow chamber 627 within the buoyportion 618 of the embodiment, a pair of one-way valves 628 and 629,positioned within respective ducts, vents, apertures, or orifices 630and 631, tend to open thereby allowing pressurized air to flow from theair pocket 626 into the chamber 627. When the pressure of the air withinthe chamber 627 is greater than or equal to the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 626, the one-way valves 628 and 629 tend to close,thereby trapping high-pressure air within the chamber 627.

High-pressure air within the chamber 627 tends to escape 615 and 616and/or be vented to the atmosphere by flowing through two respectiveexhaust ducts 613 and 614, and therethrough respective turbines 632 and633. Air flowing through turbines 632 and 633 tends to impart rotationalkinetic energy to those turbines and to the rotors of respectivegenerators (not shown) operatively connected to the turbines.

If air is added to the chamber 627 faster than it escapes 615 and 616,then pressurized air tends to accumulate within the chamber 627. Whenpressurized air accumulates within the chamber 627, that surplus airtends to push down on the water ballast 634 thereby forcing a portion ofit out 635 of the chamber 627 and thereby reducing the mass, weight,inertia, and draft of the embodiment 610 in the process. If the volumeof surplus air grows to a sufficient volume, then additional air addedto the chamber 627 from and/or by the air pocket 626 will tend to causeair to escape 636 through an annular gap 621 between buoy wall 620 andwater-column wall 612. If the chamber is completely filled with air,then the waterline of the embodiment will move to its lowest position637, and the embodiment's draft will achieve its minimal value or depth,and the embodiment's waterplane area will be significantly reducedthereby significantly reducing the sensitivity of the embodiment to theenergy of the ambient waves.

If air is added to the chamber 627 more slowly than it escapes 615 and616, then the loss of air within the chamber 627 will tend to drawadditional water in 635 into chamber 627, thereby increasing the mass,weight, inertia, and draft of the embodiment 610 in the process. Ifenough air is lost from the chamber 627, then sufficient buoyancy toprevent the embodiment from sinking will be maintained by an annularring of buoyant material 638 (e.g., closed cell foam) to keep theembodiment afloat and to keep its waterline and draft at appropriatelevels. As the volume of water within the chamber 627 increases, and theembodiment's waterline rises, the embodiment's waterplane area will tendto increase, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the embodiment to theenergy of the ambient waves.

Thus, in energetic sea states when pressurized air will tend to be addedto the chamber 627 faster than it can be vented 615-616 through theembodiment's turbines 632-633, the embodiment will tend to rise up outof the water and thereby reduce its waterplane area, which, in turn,will tend to reduce the amount of energy that the embodiment capturesfrom the ambient waves, which will tend to reduce the rate at whichpressurized air is added to the chamber 627. And, in weak and/orsuboptimal sea states when pressurized air will tend to be added to thechamber 627 more slowly than it is vented 615-616 through theembodiment's turbines 632-633, the embodiment will tend to sink downinto the water and thereby increase its waterplane area, which, in turn,will tend to increase the amount of energy that the embodiment capturesfrom the ambient waves, which will tend to increase the rate at whichpressurized air is added to the chamber 627. The embodiment 610 tends toself-regulate the amount of energy that it captures from ambient wavesso as to add pressurized air to its chamber 627 at approximately thesame rate at which it vents pressurized air from chamber 627 to theatmosphere through its turbines.

FIG. 36 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.A buoy 650 floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water (notshown). An open-bottomed water column 651 is incorporated near thehorizontal center of buoy 650.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35 has a similar grossstructure to that of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-35 ,namely, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35 has an upper buoyportion comprised of an uppermost cylindrical portion, a middlefrustoconical portion, and a lowermost cylindrical portion. And, likethe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-35 , the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 34 and 35 has an annular gap between the buoy wall and the wallof the water column to which it is connected. While top-down andsectional views are provided of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 34and 35 , because of the similarities in the large structural features ofthe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-35 and 34-35 , perspective andside views of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35 are omitted.

An exhaust duct 652 (i.e., a duct through which pressurized air flowsout of the embodiment) is connected to an upper portion of theembodiment 650. Positioned inside the exhaust duct 652 is a turbine (notvisible beneath an operatively connected generator 653) such that airflowing out of exhaust duct 652 tends to impart rotational kineticenergy to the turbine. A generator 653 operatively connected to theturbine tends to generate electrical power in response to rotations ofthe turbine.

An intake duct 654 (i.e., a duct through which atmospheric air outsidethe embodiment tends to flow into the water column 651) is connected toan upper portion of the water column 651. Positioned inside the intakeduct 654 is a turbine (not visible beneath an operatively connectedgenerator 655) such that air flowing in through the intake duct 654tends to impart rotational kinetic energy to the turbine. A generator655 operatively connected to the turbine tends to generate electricalpower in response to rotations of the turbine.

One end 656 of a connecting pipe 656-657 is connected to an upperportion of the water column 651. Another end 657 of the connecting pipe656-657 is connected to an upper portion of the buoy, and to a hollowchamber therein.

The connecting pipe 656-657 contains a one-way valve (not visible)therein that tends to open, and/or is open, and allows air to flow fromthe water column 651 into the hollow chamber (not visible) within thebuoy 650 when the pressure of the air within an upper portion of thewater column 651 is greater than the pressure of the air inside thechamber. When the pressure of the air inside the chamber is greater thanthe pressure of the air inside the water column 651, the one-way valvetends to close, and/or is closed.

FIG. 37 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 36 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 37-37 as specified in FIG. 36 .

The embodiment 650 floats adjacent to an upper surface 658 of a body ofwater. A tubular “water column” structure 651 with an open bottom 659allows water to travel 660 in and out of the water column 651. As theembodiment 650 moves up and down in response to waves traveling acrossthe surface 658 of the water on which the embodiment floats, water 661moves 662 up and down within the water column 651, and tends to moverelative to the embodiment, tending to cause air within an air pocket663 located in an upper portion of the water column 651 to be cyclicallyand/or periodically compressed and expanded, thereby tending to causeits pressure to oscillate between relatively high and low pressures.

When the water 661 in the water column 651 moves down relative to theembodiment, the volume of the air pocket 663 is expanded, and thepressure of the air therein is reduced. When the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 663 falls below the pressure of the air outsidethe embodiment 650, a one-way valve 664 tends to open and air fromoutside the embodiment flows 665 into the intake duct 654, and through aturbine 667 therein, tending to cause the turbine 667 to rotate andenergize a generator 655 operatively connected (by a shaft) thereto,resulting in the generation of electrical power.

When the pressure of the air inside the air pocket 663 once againincreases and is once again greater than the pressure of the air outsidethe embodiment, then one-way valve 664 tends to close.

When the water 661 in the water column 651 moves up relative to theembodiment, the volume of the air pocket 663 is reduced, and thepressure of the air therein is increased. When the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 663 increases to the point that it becomes greaterthan the pressure of the air inside a hollow chamber 668 inside the buoy675, then a one-way valve 669 tends to open thereby allowing air to flowfrom the air pocket 663 into the hollow chamber 668 inside the buoy.

When the pressure of the air inside the hollow chamber 668 increases tothe point that it becomes greater than the pressure of the air insidethe air pocket 663, and/or the pressure of the air inside the air pocket663 decreases to the point that it becomes less than the pressure of theair inside the hollow chamber 668, then one-way valve 669 tends to closethereby tending to trap the relatively highly pressurized air inside thehollow chamber 668.

Pressurized air inside the hollow chamber 668 tends to escape and/orvent to the atmosphere outside the embodiment through exhaust duct 652,passing through turbine 670 therein and tending to cause it to rotate,which in turn, tends to energize operatively connected (by a shaft) togenerator 653, thereby resulting in the generation of electrical power.

If pressurized air flows into the chamber 668 faster than it flows outof that chamber through exhaust duct 652, then the water 671 enclosedwithin the chamber 668, and providing the embodiment with additionalmass and ballast, will tend to flow out 672 of an opening, orifice,and/or aperture 673 positioned at the bottom of a flat annular surface674 spanning, joining, and connecting an outer wall 675 of the buoy anda wall 651 of the water column. If the chamber 668 fills with air, andcompletely expels the water ballast 671, then additional air added tothe chamber 668 will force air from the buoy 650, through aperture 673,thereafter tending to rise to or toward the surface 658 of the body ofwater on which the embodiment floats, as bubbles 676.

Supplemental buoyancy is provided by material 677 (e.g., closed cellfoam) attached to the buoy 675. When filled with the maximum possibleamount of water ballast, and the minimum amount of air 668, thesupplemental buoyancy 677 limits the height of the waterline 678 to,and/or from exceeding, a limiting height 678. By contrast, when filledwith the maximum possible amount of air (and the minimum possible amountof water ballast), the embodiment's waterline may fall as low as 679.

In vigorous waves and/or wave states that threaten to damage theembodiment, the resistive torque generated by the exhaust turbine'sgenerator 653 can be increased such that the turbine 670 will tend toretard and/or obstruct the flow of air out of the chamber 668. Likewise,in vigorous and potentially dangerous waves and/or wave states theresistive torque generated by the intake turbine's generator 655 can bedecreased such that the turbine 667 will tend to more freely permit,and/or facilitate, the flow of air into the air pocket and chamber 668.Either and/or both of these configurational changes will tend to reducethe embodiment's ballast water 671, thereby tending to lower itswaterline and reduce its draft, which will tend to reduce the waterplanearea of the embodiment, thereby tending to reduce the ability of theembodiment to capture energy from the ambient waves and/or tending tolift the embodiment, to a degree, above the waves and help protect itfrom damage.

In relatively weak waves, the resistive torque generated by the exhaustturbine's generator 653 can be decreased so as to increase and/orfacilitate the flow of air out of the chamber 668, and/or the resistivetorque generated by the intake turbine's generator 655 can be increasedso as to decrease and/or obstruct the flow of air into the air pocketand chamber 668. Either and/or both of these configurational changeswill tend to increase the embodiment's ballast water 671, therebytending to raise its waterline and increase its draft, which will tendto increase the waterplane area of the embodiment, thereby tending toincrease the ability of the embodiment to capture energy from theambient waves and/or tending to lower the embodiment, to a degree,further into the waves and help it to capture a greater proportionand/or fraction of the relatively meager energy available in the ambientwaves.

FIG. 38 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38-40 has a similar gross structureto that of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , namely, the embodiment700 illustrated in FIGS. 38-40 has an upper buoy portion comprised of anuppermost cylindrical portion and a lowermost frustoconical portion.And, the upper buoy portion is attached and/or connected to a centralhollow tubular structure having an uppermost portion positioned insidethe buoy portion, and a lowermost portion that extends out and throughthe bottom of the buoy, such that the buoy and the tubular structureshare a nominally vertical longitudinal axis of approximate radialsymmetry. While top-down and sectional views are provided of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38-40 , because of the similarity in thelarge structural features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and38-40 , perspective and side views of the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 38-40 are omitted.

An exhaust turbine 702 positioned within an exhaust duct 701 ventspressurized air from a high-pressure accumulator (not visible within theembodiment) to the atmosphere whenever the pressure of the air withinthe high-pressure accumulator, to which the exhaust duct is connected,exceeds that of the air outside the embodiment, e.g., is greater thanatmospheric pressure. Rotations of the exhaust turbine 702 tends tocause an operatively connected exhaust generator (not visible below theexhaust turbine) to generate electrical power.

An intake turbine 703 positioned atop, and operatively connected to, anintake duct (not visible below the intake turbine) admits atmosphericair into the embodiment whenever the pressure of the air within an airpocket at the top of the water column, to which the intake duct isconnected, falls below that of the air outside the embodiment, e.g.,below atmospheric pressure. Rotations of the intake turbine 703 tends tocause an operatively connected intake generator 704 to generateelectrical power.

A pressure-actuated pressure relief valve 705 allows pressurized airwithin the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator to vent to theatmosphere if the pressure of the air within the embodiment'shigh-pressure accumulator exceeds a threshold pressure, and/or level. Asimilar embodiment has a pressure relief valve 705 that is controlledelectrically by the embodiment's control system (not shown).

FIG. 39 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 38 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 38-38 as specified in FIG. 38 .

The embodiment 700 has a buoyant portion 706-707 comprised of an uppercylindrical portion 706 and a lower frustoconical portion 707. Embeddedwithin, and/or connected to, the embodiment's buoy 706-707 is a watercolumn 708 and/or tube that is positioned so as to be approximatelycoaxial with the buoy about a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofapproximate radial symmetry.

At its lower end 709, the water column 708 is open to the body of water710 upon which the embodiment floats. When waves buffet the embodiment,and cause the embodiment to rise and fall, the inertia of the water 711within the water column prevents it from precisely and/or synchronouslymatching the vertical movements of the embodiment 700. This inertiallatency is combined with variations in the depth pressure of the wateroutside the water column's bottom mouth 709 resulting from the failureof the embodiment to precisely and/or synchronously match the verticalmovements of the surface 710 of the water on which the embodimentfloats, results in a movement of the water within the embodiment's watercolumn relative to the embodiment itself. The movement of the water 711within the water column 708 causes and/or is facilitated by the freedomof water to move 712 in and out of the water column's bottom mouth 709.

As a result of the non-synchronous and/or out-of-phase variations in thevertical oscillations of the water 711 within the embodiment's watercolumn 708 and the embodiment itself, the upper surface 713 of the water711 within the water column 708 tends to move 714 up and down relativeto the upper end of the water column 708, thereby tending to cause apocket of air 715 adjacent to the upper end of the water column to bealternately compressed and decompressed.

The embodiment incorporates a high-pressure accumulator 716 whichcomprises and/or constitutes an approximately annular chamber in whichair of relatively high pressure is stored, cached, and/or trapped. Whenthe volume of the air pocket 715 is reduced as a result of an upwellingof the surface 713 of the water 711 within the water column 708, the airtherein is compressed and its pressure tends to increase. When thepressure of the air within the air pocket 715 exceeds the pressure ofthe air with the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator 716 then one-wayvalve 717 within pipe and/or aperture 718 tends to open thereby allowinga portion of the relatively high-pressure air within the air pocket 715to flow 719 into the high-pressure accumulator 716. When the pressure ofthe air within the air pocket 715 subsequently drops to become less thanor equal to the pressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator716, then the one-way valve 717 tends to close and preserve the pressureof the air within the accumulator 716.

Inside the buoy 706-707 is a cylindrical accumulator wall 721 that isapproximately coaxial with a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofapproximate radial symmetry of the both the buoy 706-707 and the watercolumn 708. The cylindrical accumulator wall 721 divides the waterballast 720 within the hollow interior of the buoy into inner and outerannular accumulator pools of water the upper surfaces of which 722 and723, respectively, are separated by the accumulator wall but the lowerportions of which are fluidly connected thereby allowing water to movefreely between the inner and outer annular accumulator pools.

When relatively high-pressure air is added to the high-pressureaccumulator 716, the air within the accumulator tends to push againstthe surface 722 of the inner accumulator pool. The pressure exerted onthe surface 722 of the inner accumulator pool tends to push that surfacedownward thereby tending to raise the surface 723 of the outeraccumulator pool, and compress the air trapped within that outeraccumulator air pocket 724. The difference in the relative heights ofthe surfaces of the inner 722 and outer 723 accumulator pools representsa hydrostatic and/or head pressure.

If the volume of relatively high-pressure air added to the high-pressureaccumulator 716 exceeds the volume defined and/or provided by thecylindrical accumulator wall 721 then air from the high-pressureaccumulator 716 will tend to flow past the bottom edge of theaccumulator wall 721 and bubble 726 into the outer accumulator airpocket 724 and tending to become trapped therein. If the volume and/orpressure of the air within the outer accumulator air pocket 724 reachesor exceeds a threshold pressure and/or level, then a pressure actuatedpressure relief valve 705 will tend to open and vent air from the outeraccumulator air pocket 724 into the atmosphere outside the embodimentuntil the pressure of the air within the outer accumulator air pocket724 falls to a pressure or level below the threshold pressure and/orlevel. A similar embodiment utilizes and/or incorporates a pressurerelief valve that is controlled by the embodiment's control system (nowshown).

Relatively highly pressurized air within the high-pressure accumulator716 tends to flow through exhaust duct 701 and through an exhaustturbine 702 therein so as to vent 727 to, and/or flow into, theatmosphere outside the embodiment. Air flowing through the exhaustturbine 702 tends to cause the turbine to rotate and thereby to energizea generator 728 operatively connected to the exhaust turbine 702.

When the surface 713 of the water 711 within the water column 708 movesdownward and/or away from the upper end of the water column, then thevolume of the air pocket 715 therein tends to expand, and the pressureof the air therein tends to be reduced. When the pressure of that air715 falls below the pressure of the air outside the embodiment, e.g.,below atmospheric pressure, then a one-way valve 729 tends to openthereby allowing air to flow into the air pocket 715 from the atmosphereoutside the embodiment. When one-way valve 729 opens, outside air tendsto flow 730 into and through an intake turbine 703, thereby tending tocause the intake turbine 703 to rotate and impart energy to a generator704 operatively connected to the intake turbine. After passing throughthe intake turbine the inflowing air travels through intake duct 731 andinto the air pocket 715.

FIG. 40 shows a horizontal bottom-up cross-sectional view of the sameembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39 , wherein the horizontalsection is taken along section line 40-40 as specified in FIG. 39 .

FIG. 41 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.

The main structural features and/or elements of which embodiment 740 iscomprised, e.g., a buoy and a tubular water column 742 passingtherethrough, have an approximate radial symmetry about a commonnominally vertical longitudinal axis passing through the center of theapproximately circular upper surface 741 of the buoy.

Fluidly connected to the upper end of the water column 742 is a duct 743through which air tends to flow back and forth between the atmosphereoutside the embodiment and an air pocket inside, and adjacent to, theupper end of the water column 742. Positioned within a constrictedportion 744 of the duct 743 is a bi-directional turbine 745 which tendsto rotate in response to the passage of air through it, thereby tendingto cause a generator operatively connected to the turbine to generateelectrical power.

In response to control signals from the embodiment's control system (notshown), a pair of deballasting actuators 746 and 747 open respectivedeballasting valves (not visible within deballasting pipes 748 and 749).Likewise, in response to additional and/or other control signals fromthe embodiment's control system (not shown), the pair of deballastingactuators 746 and 747 close their respective deballasting valves.

In response to control signals from the embodiment's control system (notshown), a pair of ballasting actuators 750 and 751 open respectiveballasting valves 752 and 753. Likewise, in response to additionaland/or other control signals from the embodiment's control system (notshown), the pair of actuators 750 and 751 close their respectiveballasting valves 752 and 753.

FIG. 42 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 41 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 42-42 as specified in FIG. 41 .

The embodiment 740 is comprised of a buoyant or buoy portion 754 that iscomprised of a material 755 that is amenable to fabrication through 3Dprinting. Such materials include, but are not limited to: cement,cementitious materials, plastic, resin, sintered metal, etc. The buoyincludes a linked and/or fluidly connected network of buoy voids, e.g.,756, and channels, e.g., 757, such that many, if not all, of the hollowspaces within the buoy are able to be filled with air and/or water.

The network of buoy voids is connected to the body of water 759 througha plurality of apertures, e.g., 760, thereby allowing water within thebuoy voids to flow into the body of water 759 on which the embodimentfloats, and allowing water 759 outside the embodiment to flow into thosebuoy voids.

The network of buoy voids is also connected to the air pocket 761 by twopipes 747 and 748, the flow of air through which is controlled,regulated, and/or altered, by means of respective one-way valves 762 and763, which when opened by the embodiment's control system (not shown)allow compressed air to flow from the air pocket 761 into the network ofbuoy voids thereby tending to displace water (ballast) therein and causewater to flow out of the network of buoy voids and into the body ofwater 759 on which the embodiment floats.

The network of buoy voids is also connected to the atmosphere outsidethe embodiment by two valves 752 and 753 through which air may flow outof the network of buoy voids and into the atmosphere outside theembodiment. When opened by the embodiment's control system (not shown),valves 752 and 753 allow air to escape the network of buoy voids andthereby allow water 759 outside the embodiment to flow into the networkof buoy voids.

Through the control of the complementary valve pairs 762-763 and 752-753the volumes and/or ratio of air and water within the network of buoyvoids can be adjusted and controlled, thereby controlling the buoyancyof the buoy, the embodiment's waterline, the embodiment's waterplanearea, and its sensitivity to the ambient waves.

As the embodiment moves up and down in response to the passage of waves,water 764 within the embodiment's water column 765 also tends to move upand down however, due to that water's inertia and variations in thedepth pressure at the water column's lower mouth 766, that water 764tends to move up and down asynchronously with respect to the movementsof the embodiment. The asynchronous oscillations of the water 764 withinthe water column 765 tend to cause water to move 767 in and out of thewater column's bottom mouth 766, and tend to cause the upper surface 768of the water 764 within the water column 765 to move 769 up and down,thereby alternately compressing and decompressing the pocket of air 761above that surface 768.

When the air within the air pocket 761 is compressed, it tends to flowout of the water column through duct 743 thereby flowing through turbine745 therein, and thereby tending to cause that turbine to rotate andcausing a generator (not shown) operatively connected to the turbine 745to generate electrical power.

When the air within the air pocket 761 is decompressed, air from theatmosphere tends to flow in to the water column through duct 743 therebyflowing through turbine 745 therein, and thereby tending to cause thatturbine to rotate and causing a generator (not shown) operativelyconnected to the turbine 745 to generate electrical power.

FIG. 43 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.

The main structural features and/or elements of which embodiment 780 iscomprised, e.g., a buoy and a tubular water column (not visible)depending therefrom, have an approximate radial symmetry about a commonnominally vertical longitudinal axis passing through the center of theapproximately circular upper surface 781 of the buoy.

Three approximately horizontal intake pipes 782-784 allow relativelyhigh-pressure air stored, trapped, and/or cached within a high-pressureaccumulator (not visible within the buoy) to flow, and/or vent, into acommon, approximately vertical pipe 785 where the combined flows of airthen flow through a turbine positioned therein. After flowing throughthe turbine in vertical pipe 785, the air flows into three approximatelyhorizontal exhaust pipes 786-788 and thereafter into a low-pressureaccumulator (not visible within the buoy).

FIG. 44 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 43 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 44-44 as specified in FIG. 43 .

Embodiment 708 floats adjacent to an upper surface 789 of a body ofwater over which waves pass. A buoyant and/or buoy portion 781, 790, 791is characterized by an approximately flat upper wall 781, an upperapproximately cylindrical side wall 790, and a lower approximatelyfrustoconical wall 791. Connected to, attached to, and partiallyembedded within, the buoy 790-791 is an approximately cylindrical tube792 that partially traps, entrains, and/or encloses, a body of water793, and which possesses a lower aperture and/or mouth 794 through whichwater may freely move 795 into and out from the interior of the tube. Aswaves, moving across the surface 789 of the body of water on which theembodiment floats, buffet the embodiment 780 the inertia of the water793 within the tube inhibits its ability to move synchronously with thetube 792 which tends to result in a vertical movement and/or oscillationof the water 793 with respect to the tube 792. The vertical movements ofthe water 793 within the tube 792 tend to cause the surface 796 of thatwater to move 797 up and down, thereby alternately compressing andexpanding a volume 798 of air trapped in an upper portion of the tube792.

When the air within the air pocket is compressed, and when the pressurethereof exceeds the pressure of air trapped within the embodiment'shigh-pressure accumulator 799, then a pressure-actuated valve 800 tendsto open thereby allowing a portion of that compressed air to flow fromthe air pocket 798 and into the high-pressure accumulator 799. When thepressure of the air within the air pocket 798 subsequently falls toequal or become less than the pressure of air trapped within theembodiment's high-pressure accumulator 799, then the pressure-actuatedvalve 800 tends to close, thereby trapping the highly pressurized airwithin the high-pressure accumulator 799 and preventing it from flowingback into the air pocket 798.

Within a lower portion of the buoy 790-791 is a body of water 801 thatadds mass, weight, and inertia to the embodiment and serves as ballast.Pumps (not shown) can add or remove water to the pool 801 and/orreservoir of ballast water within the interior of the buoy 790-791 inorder to alter the mass, weight, and inertia of the embodiment and theembodiment's draft, waterline, waterplane area, and its correlatedsensitivity to waves and wave motion. A vertical wall within the buoypartially partitions the interior of the buoy into two halves (into leftand right halves with respect to the embodiment orientation illustratedin FIG. 44 ). The partition wall 802 does not extend all the way to thebottom of the interior of the buoy and does not completely isolate thetwo halves of that interior for that reason. Because a lower portion ofthe interior of the buoy is unobstructed by the partition wall 802,water 801 within the interior of the buoy is able to move from one sideof the partially-partitioned interior to the other side.

The relatively high pressure of the air within the high-pressureaccumulator 799 (positioned on the left side of the partition wall 802)tends to push down the surface 803 of that portion of the embodiment'swater ballast 801 positioned beneath it from the equilibrium level 804that it might have in the absence of high pressure in the accumulator799.

Pressurized air from within the high-pressure accumulator 799 tends toflow into the embodiment's three intake pipes, e.g., 783 and 784, whichcombine and flow together into turbine pipe 785 wherein it tends to flowthrough turbine 805 the resulting rotations of which tend to energizeoperatively connected generator 806 thereby causing the generator togenerate electrical power.

Air flowing out of the turbine 805 and out of the turbine pipe 785 theturbine exhaust separates so as to flow into three exhaust pipes, e.g.,787 and 786, after which, and/or from which, it flows into low-pressureaccumulator 807.

The relatively low pressure of the air within the low-pressureaccumulator 807 (positioned on the right side of the partition wall 802)tends to pull up the surface 808 of that portion of the embodiment'swater ballast 801 positioned beneath it from the equilibrium level 804that it might have in the absence of low pressure in the accumulator807.

When the volume of the air within the air pocket is expanded, therebytending to decompress and reduce the pressure of that air, and when thepressure of that air-pocket air falls below the pressure of the airtrapped within the embodiment's low-pressure accumulator 807, then apressure-actuated valve 809 tends to open thereby allowing a portion ofthe air within the low-pressure accumulator (which at such a point has agreater pressure than the air within the air pocket) to flow from thelow-pressure accumulator 807 and into the air pocket 798. When thepressure of the air within the air pocket 798 subsequently rises so asto equal or exceed the pressure of the air trapped within theembodiment's low-pressure accumulator 807, then the pressure-actuatedvalve 809 tends to close, thereby trapping the relatively low-pressureair within the low-pressure accumulator 807 and preventing any more ofit from flowing into the air pocket 798.

FIG. 45 shows a horizontal top-down cross-sectional view of the sameembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44 , wherein the horizontalsection is taken along section line 45-45 as specified in FIG. 44 .

FIG. 46 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thepresent invention similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 , and, aswith the vertical cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 3 , thevertical cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 46 corresponds to avertical section plane that includes and/or passes through the nominallyvertical longitudinal axis of approximate radial symmetry of theembodiment.

The embodiment 820 floats adjacent to an upper surface 821 of a body ofwater on which the embodiment floats and over which waves tend to pass.The embodiment incorporates a buoyant portion 832 and a central watercolumn 822 or tube. As the embodiment rises and falls on passing waves,water 823 within the water column 822 moves up and down relative to theembodiment 820 and its water column 822 tending to cause a cyclicalcompression and expansion of an air pocket 824 positioned in an upperportion of the water column 822.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 824 becomes greaterthan the pressure of the air outside the embodiment, e.g. greater thanatmospheric pressure, air tends to flow 833 from the air pocket 824through a duct 825, and through a turbine 826 therein, and then in tothe atmosphere outside the embodiment 820. When the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 824 becomes less than the pressure of the airoutside the embodiment, air tends to flow 833 from outside theembodiment, through the duct 825, and through the turbine 826 therein,and into air pocket 824. When air flows through the turbine 826 theturbine tends to rotate. Rotations of the turbine 826 tend to energize agenerator (not shown) operatively connected to the turbine 826 causingthat generator to generate electrical power.

The embodiment's water column 822 has a first diameter 827 and a firstcross-sectional area (with respect to a plane normal to its nominallyvertical longitudinal axis of approximate radial symmetry), below which,e.g., proximate to 828, the diameter increases and/or the tube 822flares. In the illustrated embodiment, the water column 822 has a seconddiameter 829, e.g., proximate to 830, which is greater than the firstdiameter 827, and a second cross-sectional area which is greater thanthe first cross-sectional area. In an embodiment similar to the oneillustrated, the diameter of the water column 828 continuesprogressively increasing down to the bottom mouth 831 of the watercolumn 822.

Water columns of every shape, length, diameter or profile of suchdiameters (e.g., of walls in a vertical cross-sectional plane),cross-sectional area or profile of such areas, wall thickness, wallmaterial, etc., are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 47 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a differentconfiguration of the same embodiment of the present invention that isillustrated in FIG. 46 . Unlike the configuration illustrated in FIG. 46, the water column 920 of the embodiment configuration illustrated inFIG. 47 has an approximately constant diameter and an approximatelyconstant cross-sectional area (normal to its nominally verticallongitudinal axis of approximate radial symmetry). And, the embodimentconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 47 has a pointed and solid, i.e.closed, bottom end 841 such that water may not flow out nor in throughthe bottom. Water column 840 has orifices, e.g., 842, in the lateralwalls of a bottom portion of the tubular water-column wall 840 throughwhich water 823 may flow 843 in and out of the water column.

FIG. 48 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a differentconfiguration of the same embodiment of the present invention that isillustrated in FIG. 46 . Unlike the configuration illustrated in FIG. 46, the water column 850-852 of the embodiment configuration illustratedin FIG. 48 has an approximately constant taper. The diameter and/orcross-sectional area of the tube at a position 852 near its bottom 853is greater than the diameter and/or cross-sectional area of the tube ata position near its top 850. With respect to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 48 , water is free to flow 854 into and out of thetube 850-852 through a bottom mouth 853 that is proportionatelyapproximately equal to the bottom mouth 831 of the configurationillustrated in FIG. 46 . However, whereas the configuration illustratedin FIG. 46 has an hourglass-like transition from a relatively smallupper diameter to a relatively large lower diameter, the configurationillustrated in FIG. 48 has a taper of approximately constant angularity.

FIG. 49 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a differentconfiguration of the same embodiment of the present invention that isillustrated in FIG. 46 . Unlike the configuration illustrated in FIG. 46, the lower portion of water column 860 of the embodiment configurationillustrated in FIG. 49 is approximately cylindrical while the upperportion 861 includes an approximately frustoconical constriction ofapproximately constant angularity.

The water column 860 has an open bottom 862 through which water 823 mayflow 863 in to, and out of, the water column 860.

The embodiment configuration illustrated in FIG. 49 has buoyantmaterial, e.g., 864 (e.g., closed-cell foam) attached to the water tube860 adjacent to an upper end of that water tube 860. The embodimentconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 49 also has negatively-buoyantballast, e.g., 865, (e.g., metal) attached to the water tube 860adjacent to a lower end of that water tube 860.

FIG. 50 shows a top-down view of an embodiment 880 of the presentinvention that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 .Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 which has a single watertube 105, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 50-52 has nine watertubes, eight water tubes, e.g., 881 and 882, arrayed in radial fashionabout the periphery of the buoy 880, and one water tube 883 positionedat the center of the buoy 880. Also unlike the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 in which the embodiment's water tube 105 protrudes through thetop 108 of the embodiment's buoy 109-110, the upper end of each of thenine water tubes, e.g., 881, of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.50-52 is positioned within the embodiment's buoy and/or below the upperwall of that buoy—with only the respective tube-specific ductsprotruding through the top of the buoy.

Each of the ducts, e.g., 881-883, of the embodiment 880 has aconstriction, e.g., 884, and/or a narrowing within a portion of theduct, and a turbine, e.g., 885, is positioned within the constrictedportion of each duct.

FIG. 51 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 50 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 51-51 as specified in FIG. 50 .

The embodiment 880 is comprised of a buoyant and/or buoy portion 886that has a hollow interior containing a gas 887, e.g., air, nitrogen,and/or hydrogen, and a water ballast 888, the mass, weight, and inertiaof which may be adjusted, controlled, and/or altered by the embodiment'scontrol system (not shown). Pumps (not shown) can add or remove waterfrom the water ballast 888 inside the buoy 886 in order to alter themass, weight, and inertia of the embodiment and its draft.

Connected, joined, and/or attached, to the embodiment's buoy portion 886are nine water columns and/or tubes, e.g., 887-889, each of whichpossesses a lower end, mouth, and/or aperture, e.g., 890, through whichwater may move, e.g., 891, between the interior of each respective tube,e.g., 889, and the body of water 892 on which the embodiment floats.

In response to motions and/or movements of the embodiment, and/or of thewater 892 on which it floats, the water, e.g., 893, within each watertube, e.g., 889, tends to, and/or periodically, moves vertically withinits respective tube, thereby tending to alternately compress and expanda pocket of air, e.g., 894, positioned at an upper end of eachrespective tube, e.g., 889. When a water tube's respective air pocket,e.g., 894, expands, the resulting decompression of that air pocket tendsto cause air to flow, e.g., 895, from the atmosphere outside the airpocket through the water tube's respective air duct, e.g., 882, andthrough the respective turbine, e.g., 896, therein, thereby tending tocause the turbine to rotate and to energize an operatively connectedgenerator (not shown) thereby causing the generator to generateelectrical power. When a water tube's respective air pocket, e.g., 894,is compressed, the resulting increase in the pressure of the air withinthat air pocket tends to cause air to flow, e.g., 895, from the airpocket and into the atmosphere outside the embodiment through the watertube's respective air duct, e.g., 882, and through the respectiveturbine, e.g., 896, therein, thereby again tending to cause the turbineto rotate and to energize an operatively connected generator (not shown)thereby causing the generator to generate electrical power.

A latticework of trusses, struts, and/or braces, e.g., 897, providestructural support for the array of water tubes, e.g., 887-889. And, thewater tubes can be of varying lengths, diameters, volumes, etc., so asto tend to make each tube optimally sensitive to a particular and/orspecific range of wave heights, periods, and/or energies. Note that eachwater tube visible within the illustration of FIG. 51 is of a uniquelength, and therefore a unique volume. The oscillations of the waterwithin each tube of unique length would be expected to have a uniquephase in at least one wave condition, and a unique degree of air pocketcompression (i.e., amplitude of water, e.g., 893, oscillation withineach tube of unique length). Such variation in intra-tube wateroscillation can help to smooth, and/or to remove spikes, in the rate ofelectrical power generation thereby helping to reduce the need forbatteries and/or other energy buffering mechanisms. Such variation inoptimal wave-condition sensitivity can help to provide a wider range ofwave conditions over which the embodiment's electrical power generationis above a baseline and/or threshold level, again, potentially reducingthe need for batteries and/or other energy buffering mechanisms.

FIG. 52 shows a bottom-up view of the same embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 50 and 51 .

FIG. 53 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the present invention.

The main structural features and/or elements of which the embodiment 910are comprised, e.g., a buoy and a tubular water column (not visible)depending therefrom, have an approximate radial symmetry about a commonnominally vertical longitudinal axis passing through the center of theapproximately circular upper surface 911 of the buoy.

Arrayed in radial fashion about the periphery of the buoy 911 are eightnozzles and/or jets that are fluidly connected to a high-pressureaccumulator (not visible) inside the buoy 911. When the embodiment'scontrol system (not shown) opens a nozzle-specific valve, thenpressurized air from within the embodiment's high-pressure accumulatoris allowed to flow out, e.g., 912 of the respective nozzle, e.g., 913,thereby tending to generate thrust. By opening one or more nozzlevalves, thereby causing thrust to be generated by those nozzles, and/orby the high-pressure air emitted by each, and by adjusting, regulating,controlling, and/or altering, the degree to which each nozzle-specificvalve is open, and therefore adjusting, regulating, controlling, and/oraltering the amount of thrust generated by and/or from each respectivenozzle, the embodiment's control system can generate thrust in a varietyand/or range of magnitudes, and over any lateral (i.e., parallel to thesurface 911 of the embodiment's buoy, and nominally parallel to thesurface of the body of water on which the embodiment floats) angle,and/or in any direction. For example, the embodiment configurationillustrated in FIG. 53 shows high-pressure air being emitted, and/orallowed to flow 912 and 914 from, respective nozzles 913 and 915,thereby generating a composite, net, additive, and/or resultant thrust916 in a direction approximately 25 degrees to the right of vertical(with respect to the orientation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.53 ).

By adjusting, regulating, controlling, and/or altering, the magnitude ofthrust (ranging from no thrust to maximal thrust) emitted by each of itseight nozzles, the embodiment 910 can steer a course in any desireddirection across the surface of the body of water on which theembodiment floats. And, by adjusting, regulating, controlling, and/oraltering, the magnitude of thrust (ranging from no thrust to maximalthrust) emitted by each of its eight nozzles, the embodiment 910 cantravel and/or propel itself at a range of speeds.

A central water column and/or tube 917 is incorporated within, and/orconnected to, the embodiment's buoy portion 911 depends from the buoyand contains a body of water that tends to oscillate within the tube inresponse to the influence of passing waves on the embodiment's position,and on the height of the water's surface. An open bottom allows waterwithin the embodiment's tube 917 to move in and out of the tube as itoscillates therein.

A pocket of air trapped at the top of the water tube 917 changespressure as a consequence of the vertical oscillations of the waterwithin the tube 917, thereby causing the pressure of air within the airpocket to alternately decrease and increase.

When the pressure of the air within the water tube's air pocketdecreases, air tends to be drawn into the air pocket from the atmosphereoutside the embodiment through intake apertures, e.g., 918, each ofwhich incorporates a one-way valve that allow air to flow into the watertube's air pocket, but prevent air from escaping from the air pocket.The intake apertures are incorporated within an intake duct 919 thatconnects each intake aperture to the water tube's air pocket.

When the pressure of the air within the water tube's air pocketincreases, portions of the pressurized air therein tends to flow intothe embodiment's high-pressure accumulator (not visible) positionedwithin the buoy 911. The pressurized air within the water tube's airpocket flows into the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator throughone-way valves that allow air to flow from the air pocket into thehigh-pressure accumulator, but prevent air from escaping, and/or flowingback into the air pocket, from the high-pressure accumulator.

Pressurized air within the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator tendsto flow out of one of eight exhaust ducts, e.g., 920, each of whichincorporates a turbine, e.g., 921, which tends to rotate in response tothe flow of air through its respective duct and to thereby energize arespective operatively connected generator, thereby generatingelectrical power. And, when a nozzle-valve is opened, high-pressureaccumulator air also tends to flow out of the respective nozzle.

FIG. 54 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the same embodimentillustrated in FIG. 53 , wherein the vertical section is taken alongsection line 54-54 as specified in FIG. 53 . Embodiment 910 floatsadjacent to an upper surface 927 of a body of water.

Embodiment 910 is comprised of a buoyant and/or buoy portion 911, 922,923, and a central approximately vertical water column or tube 917. Buoy911, 922, 923 has an approximately flat horizontal upper wall 911, anapproximately cylindrical side wall 922, and an approximatelyfrustoconical lower wall 923. Water column 917 has an approximatelycylindrical shape and an open bottom or mouth 924 through which watermay enter and leave the interior of the water column 917. Water 926partially trapped, enclosed, and/or entrained within water column 917tends to move up and down as a consequence of wave-induced movements ofthe embodiment, and wave-induced changes in the depth of the water 927on which the embodiment floats.

As water 926 within the embodiment's water column 917 moves up and down,e.g., in response to ambient wave action, an upper surface 928 of thatwater 926 moves 929 up and down, thereby alternately and/or cyclicallyincreasing and reducing the pressure of the air within a pocket 930positioned above the water 926 in the water column 917.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 930 rises to becomegreater than the pressure of the air within the embodiment'shigh-pressure accumulator 931, then one-way valves 932 and 933 tend toopen, thereby allowing pressurized air within the air pocket 930 to flowinto the high-pressure accumulator 931. When the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 930 falls to become less than or equal to thepressure of the air within the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator931, then one-way valves 932 and 933 tend to close, thereby trapping thehighly pressurized air within the high-pressure accumulator 931 andpreventing it from flowing back into the air pocket 930.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 930 falls to becomeless than the pressure of the air outside the embodiment, e.g., lessthan atmospheric pressure, then one-way intake valves, e.g., 934,positioned within apertures, e.g., 918, of an intake duct 919, tend toopen, thereby allowing atmospheric air from outside the embodiment toflow into the air pocket 930. When the pressure of the air within theair pocket 930 rises to become greater than or equal to the pressure ofthe air outside the embodiment, e.g., greater than or equal toatmospheric pressure, then the one-way intake valves, e.g., 934, tend toclose, thereby preventing air from within the air pocket 930 fromflowing back into the atmosphere outside the embodiment.

The embodiment incorporates eight thrust nozzles, e.g., 913 and 935,that the embodiment's control system (not shown) can control by means ofeight respective nozzle-specific valves, e.g., 936 and 937. When theembodiment's control system opens a nozzle-specific valve, e.g., 936,and/or when such a valve is open, then high-pressure air is able to flow913 from the high-pressure accumulator 931, through the nozzle, and intothe atmosphere outside the embodiment, thereby generating thrust. Whenthe embodiment's control system closes a nozzle-specific valve, e.g.,937, and/or when such a valve is closed, then high-pressure air isprevented from flowing out of the high-pressure accumulator 931 throughthat nozzle, and no thrust is generated.

The embodiment incorporates eight exhaust and/or power-generation ducts,e.g., 920 and 938, each of which is controlled by means of aduct-specific valve, e.g., 939 and 940. And, each duct-specific valve,e.g., 940, is controlled by an actuator, e.g., 941. When theembodiment's control system (not shown) opens a duct-specific valve,e.g., 940, and/or when such a valve is open, then high-pressure air isable to flow 942 out from the high-pressure accumulator 931, through theduct, and through the respective duct-specific turbine, e.g., 943,therein, thereby energizing a generator, e.g., 944, operativelyconnected to the turbine, thereby generating electrical power. When theembodiment's control system (not shown) closes a duct-specific valve,e.g., 939, and/or when such a valve is closed, then high-pressure air isprevented from flowing out of the high-pressure accumulator 931, throughthe respective power-generation duct.

A hollow water ballast chamber 945 at a lower end of the buoy 923 maycontain a water ballast 946 the volume, mass, weight, and inertia ofwhich may be adjusted, controlled, regulated, and/or altered, by theembodiment's control system (not shown), thereby adjusting, controlling,regulating, and/or altering, the embodiment's draft, waterline,waterplane area, and/or sensitivity to, and/or ability to absorb. energyfrom ambient waves.

The embodiment has two ballast-control valves 947 and 948. When theembodiment's control system (not shown) opens a ballast-control valve,e.g., 948, and/or when a ballast-control valve, e.g., 948, is open, thenhigh-pressure air tends to flow, e.g., 949, from the embodiment'shigh-pressure accumulator 931 into the embodiment's water ballastchamber 945 thereby tending to force a portion of the water ballast 946therein to flow, e.g., 950, out of the water ballast chamber 945 throughone of two ballast apertures, e.g., 951, and therethrough flow into thebody of water 927 on which the embodiment floats.

When the embodiment's control system (not shown) closes aballast-control valve, e.g., 947, and/or when a ballast-control valve,e.g., 947, is closed, then high-pressure air in the embodiment'shigh-pressure accumulator 931 is unable to flow into the embodiment'swater ballast chamber 945, and the pressurized air within theembodiment's water ballast chamber 945 is unable to escape, therebystabilizing the volume of air 945 and the volume of water ballast 946 inthe water ballast chamber 945.

FIG. 55 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 55 is similar in function and designto the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, 34-35 and 53-54 , i.e., theembodiment incorporates a buoy; an open-bottomed central water column; ahigh-pressure accumulator that receives pressurized air from an airpocket at the top of the water column when the air therein ispressurized, and vents pressurized air to the atmosphere through a ductand a turbine therein; and, a duct with a one-way valve that allowsatmospheric air to enter the air pocket at the top of the water columnwhen the air therein is depressurized.

The embodiment 960 floats adjacent to an upper surface 961 of a body ofwater. The embodiment incorporates a buoy 960 and an open-bottomed watercolumn 962. An exhaust duct 963 allows pressurized air to escape fromthe embodiment's high-pressure accumulator (not visible inside the buoy960) into the atmosphere while imparting rotational kinetic energy to aturbine (not shown) therein, that is operatively connected to agenerator (not shown), that generates electrical power in response torotations of the connected turbine. An intake duct 964 allows air fromoutside the embodiment to flow through a one-way valve into an airpocket within a top portion of the water column 962.

The embodiment includes a rigid sail 965 that is able to be rotatedabout a shaft 966 so as to assume any angular orientation about thenominally-vertical longitudinal axis of that shaft. The embodiment alsoincludes a rudder 967 that allows the embodiment to steer a course inresponse to propulsion applied to the embodiment by the rigid sail whenthe sail obstructs a flow and/or stream of wind blowing across thesurface 961 of the water on which the embodiment floats.

FIG. 56 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 56 is similar in function and designto the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, and 36-37 , i.e., theembodiment incorporates a buoy; an open-bottomed central water column; ahigh-pressure accumulator that receives pressurized air from an airpocket at the top of the water column when the air therein ispressurized, and vents pressurized air to the atmosphere through a ductand a turbine therein; and, a duct with a one-way valve that allowsatmospheric air to flow through the duct, and a turbine therein, andenter the air pocket at the top of the water column when the air thereinis depressurized.

The embodiment 970 floats adjacent to an upper surface 971 of a body ofwater. The embodiment incorporates a buoy 970 and an open-bottomed watercolumn 972. An exhaust duct 973 allows pressurized air to escape from ahigh-pressure accumulator (not visible within the buoy) into theatmosphere while imparting rotational kinetic energy to a turbine (notshown) therein, that is operatively connected to a generator (notshown), that generates electrical power in response to rotations of theconnected turbine. An intake duct 974 allows air from outside theembodiment to flow into an air pocket within a top portion of the watercolumn 972 while imparting rotational kinetic energy to a turbine (notshown) therein, that is operatively connected to a generator (notshown), that generates electrical power in response to rotations of theconnected turbine.

When a valve is opened (e.g., by an embodiment-specific control system,not shown) a propulsion duct 975 vents 976 pressurized air to theatmosphere outside the embodiment 970, thereby generating thrust. Theembodiment includes a rudder 977 that allows the embodiment to steer acourse in response to propulsion applied to the embodiment by thepropulsive duct 975.

FIG. 57 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 57 is similar in function and designto the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 32-33, 41-42, and 50-52 ,i.e., the embodiment incorporates a buoy; an open-bottomed central watercolumn; a duct through which air flows between an air pocket at the topof the water column and the atmosphere outside the embodiment inresponse to changes in the pressure of the air within that air pocketcreated by vertical movements of the water within the water column; aturbine connected to the duct such that the flow of air through the ductresults in rotations of the turbine, and in the generation of electricalpower by an operatively connected generator.

The embodiment 980 floats adjacent to an upper surface 981 of a body ofwater. The embodiment incorporates a buoy 980 and an open-bottomed watercolumn 982. A duct is connected to a bi-direction (e.g., a “bi-radial”)turbine 983 and the duct allows pressurized air to escape into theatmosphere, and allows air from outside the embodiment to flow into anair pocket within a top portion of the water column 982, while impartingrotational kinetic energy to the bi-direction turbine 983 connectedthereto, that is operatively connected to a generator (not shown), thatgenerates electrical power in response to rotations of the connectedturbine.

The embodiment includes a “ducted fan” 984 that, when energized by theembodiment's control system (not shown) and electrical power generatedby the generator operatively connected to the embodiment's bi-directionturbine 983, pressurizes air and generates a propulsive flow of air 985that generates thrust and propels the embodiment. The embodiment alsoincludes a submerged “thruster” 986 (e.g., a motor-driven propeller)that, when energized by the embodiment's control system (not shown)generates a propulsive flow of water 987 that generates thrust andpropels the embodiment. The embodiment also includes a rudder 988 thatallows the embodiment to steer a course in response to propulsionapplied to the embodiment by the ducted fan and/or the submergedthruster.

FIG. 58 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58 is similar in function and designto the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 32-33, 41-42, and 50-52 ,i.e., the embodiment incorporates a buoy; an open-bottomed central watercolumn; a duct through which air flows between an air pocket at the topof the water column and the atmosphere outside the embodiment inresponse to changes in the pressure of the air within that air pocketcreated by vertical movements of the water within the water column; aturbine positioned within the duct such that the flow of air through theduct results in rotations of the turbine, and in the generation ofelectrical power by an operatively connected generator.

The embodiment 990 floats adjacent to an upper surface 991 of a body ofwater. The embodiment incorporates a buoy 990 that has an approximatelyspherical shape (which may reduce surge-induced rotations of theembodiment) and an open-bottomed water column 992. A bidirectional duct993 allows pressurized air to escape from the air pocket within a topportion of the water column 992 into the atmosphere, and allows air fromoutside the embodiment to flow into the air pocket, while impartingrotational kinetic energy to a turbine (not shown) therein, that isoperatively connected to a generator (not shown), that generateselectrical power in response to rotations of the connected turbine.

Cables 994, struts, wires, ropes, chains, rods, tubes, bars, and/orother connecting members, connect points and/or portions of thespherical buoy 990 to points and/or portions of the water column 992,thereby providing additional structural support to the water column 992and reducing the risk of structural fatigue and/or failure that mightotherwise result from torques and/or bending in those portions of theembodiment near where the water column and the buoy connect.

A weight 995 suspended by a plurality of cables 996, struts, wires,ropes, chains, and/or other at-least-partially flexible connectorspromotes the vertical stability of the embodiment.

FIG. 59 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

The buoyant embodiment 1100 floats adjacent to an upper surface 1101 ofa body of water over which waves tend to pass. An upper portion 1102 ofthe embodiment constitutes a buoy and displaces water at the surface1101 of the body of water (as well as below the surface). Integratedwithin, and depending from, the buoy 1102 is a tubular structure 1103through and/or in which water flows up and down approximately along anominally vertical longitudinal axis of the tube 1103. Extending from a“back” side of the tube (e.g., the left side with respect to theembodiment orientation illustrated in FIG. 59 ) is an angular extension1104 and/or appendage which has the effect of imparting to the tubularstructure 1103/1104 an approximately airfoil shape with respect tomovements in a “forward” direction (e.g., to the right in theillustration).

At a distance below the buoy 1102, a secondary wall 1105/1106 is addedto, and surrounds, the inner wall of tubular structure 1103/1104 whichextends within and/or through that outer secondary wall 1105/1106. Inthe gap or hollow space between the inner and outer walls of tube1105/1106 are struts and stringers which create a truss within thatannular void giving added strength to the lower portion 1105/1106 of thetube. Also within the gap between the inner and outer walls of tube1105/1106 is buoyant material having a density that is less than thedensity of the water in which the embodiment floats.

Attached and/or connected to an upper surface 1100 of the embodiment isa plurality of antennas, e.g., driven dipole antennas, comprising a“phased array antenna,” from which phase-adjusted electromagnetic waves1108 and/or signals may be transmitted. Through an appropriate selectionof relative phases of the signals emanating from each antenna within thephased array, the direction 1109 of the beam 1108 may be controlled,changed, altered, and/or adjusted, so as to direct the beam to and/ortoward a receiver, e.g., satellite 1110. Through an appropriateselection of relative phases of the signals received through eachantenna within the phased array, the direction 1109 of a beam 1111received by the phased array may be limited, confined, controlled,changed, amplified, and/or adjusted, so as to substantially eliminate orfilter out all transmissions except those emanating from a targetedtransmitter, e.g., satellite 1110.

Within the embodiment 1100, are computers and other computationaldevices and supporting devices (not visible in FIG. 59 ) that allow theembodiment to receive from a remote source, e.g., from a satellite 1110,computational tasks and data which it then processes with a portion ofits onboard computing resources, and a portion of the results of thosecomputations which it subsequently transmits to a remote source, e.g.,to a satellite 1110. The embodiment energizes at least a portion of itscomputers and other computational devices and supporting devices with atleast a portion of the electrical power that it generates in response towave action.

FIG. 60 shows a front view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIG. 59 .

As the embodiment 1100 moves up and down in response to passing waves,water within the tube 1103/1105 is caused to rise and fall, typicallyout of phase with the vertical motions of the waves and the embodiment.Water moves 1112 in and out of the open bottom 1113 of the tube1103/1105.

An array 1114 of constricted tubes, i.e., ducted exhaust channels, arepresent on, and embedded within, the upper wall of the buoy 1100.Through these exhaust channels, air within the tube, and pressurized asa result of the out-of-phase collision of the downward moving embodiment(especially the “ceiling” of the tube 1103/1105 near 1114), and theupward moving water within the tube 1103/1105, is vented to theatmosphere outside the embodiment through the ducted exhaust channels1114, and through the respective turbines positioned therein, whichenergize operatively connected generators thereby causing thosegenerators to generate electrical power.

Within a bottom portion of the buoy 1100 are two forward/backwardhorizontal thrusters 1115 and 1116 positioned within approximatelyand/or nominally horizontally aligned and/or oriented cylindricalcavities characterized by approximately horizontal longitudinal axes.When the thrusters spin their respective propellers in one directionthey generate thrust that drives the embodiment in a forward direction.When the thrusters spin their respective propellers in the oppositedirection they generate thrust that drives the embodiment in a backwarddirection. Through the generation of thrusts of differing magnitudesand/or directions the embodiment is able to generate a torque about itsnominally vertical longitudinal axis and rotate about that nominallyvertical longitudinal axis. And, through the generation of approximatelyequal thrusts in an appropriate direction the embodiment is able to moveforward (i.e., out of the page and toward the reader).

The leading edges of the upper 1103 and lower 1105 portions of thesubmerged tube are approximately elliptical in horizontal cross-sectionand smooth, permitting the embodiment to move forward with minimal drag.

Phased array 1107 is seen from a perspective normal to the perspectiveof FIG. 59 . Each dipole antenna, e.g., 1107, in the array extendslaterally from an approximately central vertical post or strut.

A portion of the electrical power generated by the embodiment inresponse to wave action is used to power computers for the purposes ofprocessing computational tasks received by satellite (or anothertransmission source), to energize the thrusters 1115-1116, to energizethe transmitter(s) and receiver(s) through which data, processing tasks,signals, instructions, etc. are received from remote transmitters, andthrough which data, computational results, status updates, etc., aretransmitted to remote receivers.

FIG. 61 shows a back view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIGS. 59 and 60 .

The tapered portions 1104 and 1106 of the water tube 1103/1105facilitate its movement through the water by imparting to the water tubean approximately airfoil shape with respect to its horizontal (i.e.,normal to a nominally vertical longitudinal axis of the water tube)cross-section, thereby reducing drag with respect to forward motion(i.e., approximately parallel to the surface 1101 of the water and intothe page). Forward/backward horizontal thrusters 1115 and 1116 are ableto produce thrust that enables the embodiment to rotate about anominally vertical longitudinal axis of the embodiment, and to moveacross the surface 1101 of the body of water on which it floats.

FIG. 62 shows a top-down view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIGS. 59-61 .

Attached to an upper deck 1117 of the buoy of the embodiment 1100 arerows of antennas, e.g., 1107, that form a phased array antenna in whichsignals driving each individual antenna, e.g., 1107, are adjusted byphase so as to direct the resulting beam. Similarly, the phase of thesignals received by each antenna are adjusted so as to narrow orconstrict the direction from which signals may be received.

A structure 1118 embedded within the upper deck 1117 supports twoadjacent rows of constricted channels or exhaust ducts, e.g., 1114.Inside each exhaust duct is an air-driven turbine operatively connectedto a generator such that the spinning of each turbine causes therespective operatively connected generator to generate electrical power.

Also supported by, and/or embedded within, structure 1118 are two setsof intake apertures, e.g., 1119, through which air from outside theembodiment is drawn into the water tube. The flow of air through eachintake aperture is controlled by a respective one-way valve, such thatair may only flow into the air pocket at the top of the water tube whenthe pressure of the air within that air pocket is of a lesser pressurethan the air outside the embodiment (e.g., when the air in the airpocket is less than atmospheric pressure).

In an embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 59-62 , one-wayvalves only allow air to flow out of each respective exhaust duct andassociated turbine when the pressure of the air within the water tube(i.e., the air trapped in an air pocket at the top of the water tube) isgreater than the pressure of the air outside the embodiment.

FIG. 63 shows a side perspective view of the same embodiment of thepresent invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 59-62 .

In addition to the two forward/backward horizontal thrusters, e.g.,1115, illustrated and discussed in relation to FIGS. 60 and 61 , theembodiment also has a side-to-side horizontal thruster 1120 thatgenerates a nominally horizontal thrust along an axis approximatelynormal to the axes of the nominally horizontal thrust generated bythrusters 1115 and 1116 (see FIGS. 60 and 61 ).

FIG. 64 shows a front perspective view of the buoy 1100 portion of thesame embodiment of the present invention that is illustrated in FIGS.59-63 .

Embedded within, and passing through, the side walls of the buoy 1102are thermally conductive elements, e.g., 1121, that transmit thermalenergy from within the buoy to the seawater outside and around the buoy.These conductive elements facilitate the passive cooling of computersand other computational circuits positioned within the buoy and poweredat least in part by electricity generated by the embodiment's turbinesand associated generators.

FIG. 65 shows a top-down cross-sectional view of the same embodiment ofthe present invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 59-64 , where theline 65-65 of the section plane is specified in FIG. 59 .

Within buoy 1102, adjacent to inner surfaces, e.g., 1125, of the buoy1102, are attached, connected, and/or positioned, a plurality ofcomputing chambers, e.g., 1126 and 1129, cases, enclosures, containers,boxes, and/or compartments. Each computing chamber, e.g., 1126, containselectronic and/or computing circuits (not visible within boxes) thatare, at least in part, energized by electrical power generated by theembodiment's generators. A portion of the heat generated by theelectronic and/or computing circuits positioned within the computingchambers, e.g., 1126, is absorbed by a phase change material enclosedand/or sealed within each computing chamber resulting in the conversionof a portion of that phase change material from a liquid to a gas. Thegaseous phase-changing material contained within each computing chamber,e.g., 1126 and 1129, tends to rise within, and/or travel to thenominally upper distal ends of a respective pair of heat-exchangingchannels, e.g., 1127 and 1128, connected to each respective computingchamber, e.g., 1126 and 1129.

Heat from the gaseous phase-changing material tends to be transferred tothe walls of the heat-exchanging channels, e.g., 1127 and 1128, and aportion of that transferred heat thereafter tends to be transferredand/or conducted to the water on which the embodiment floats. When waterballast is present within the buoy 1102, then a portion of thattransferred heat may also be transferred and/or conducted to the waterballast within the buoy, and thereafter may be transferred and/orconducted to the water on which the embodiment floats through the walls,e.g., 1125, of the buoy 1102.

After transferring a sufficient amount of the thermal energy responsiblefor boiling of the phase-changing material through the walls of therespective heat-exchanging channels, e.g., 1127 and 1128, at least aportion of the phase-changing material tends to liquefy, condense,and/or convert back to a liquid phase. The (re)condensed liquidphase-changing material then tends to flow down the interior of itsrespective heat-exchanging channel, e.g., tending to flow adjacent to,and/or against or along, an interior wall of its respectiveheat-exchanging channel, with the flow tending to be directed in anominally downward direction toward the center of the buoy 1102 andtoward and eventually back into the respective computing chamber, e.g.,1126, from which it boiled off, and from where it can repeat the cycleof vaporization and condensation, thereby transferring additional heataway from the electronic circuits within the computing chambers and intothe ambient water on which the embodiment floats.

Revealed within the cross-sectional view of FIG. 65 is the tubular waterchannel 1122 through which water tends to rise and fall within theembodiment in response to wave action, and the airfoil-shaped walls,e.g., 1123 and 1124, which establish, define, contain, and/or entrain,the water channel 1122, and which reduce the drag forces imparted to theembodiment as it moves through, and/or relative to, the body of water onwhich it floats when moving in its “forward” direction (e.g., to theright with respect to the embodiment orientation illustrated in FIG. 65). When the tubular structure defined in part by walls 1123 and 1124exits the bottom of the buoy from its bottom-most extent, it becomeselements 1103 and 1104 as specified in FIGS. 59, 61 , and 63.

Within and/or between the inner 1123 and outer 1124 walls of the watertube is buoyant material that provides a substantial portion (if notall) of the embodiment's buoyancy. The net effective density of theembodiment, and the position of its nominal waterline, is influenced bythe buoyant material within the water tube 1124, the water ballast (ifany) within the buoy 1102, and the inherent weight of the material(e.g., steel) of which the embodiment's structures are comprised. Byadjusting and/or changing the volume, weight, and mass, of water ballastwithin the buoy 1102, the average density of the embodiment can beadjusted and/or changed, thereby causing the embodiment's waterline tobecome lower or higher, which, with respect to a buoy with an inconstanthorizontal cross-sectional area effectively tends to cause and/or resultin a corresponding adjustment and/or change in the embodiment'swaterplane area, which thereby tends to respectively increase ordecrease the fraction of the ambient wave energy that will be impartedto, and/or be available for extraction by, the embodiment.

Because the water ballast (if any) within the buoy 1102 tends to offsetthe buoyancy of the low-density material (i.e., the material with adensity less than the density of the water within which the embodimentfloats) within embodiment's water tube 1124, the vertical position ofthe embodiment's nominal waterline can be controlled, changed, and/oradjusted, through the control, change, and/or adjustment, of the amountof water ballast within the buoy 1102.

This means that when waves are relatively small, the amount of waterballast can be maximized thereby tending to cause the embodiment'swaterline to be proximate to the upper end of the embodiment (e.g., tothe upper deck, i.e., 1117 in FIGS. 63 and 64 , and/or wall of its buoy1102), which, in turn, causes the size of the embodiment's waterplanearea to be maximized. This maximization of the embodiment's waterplanearea tends to maximize the amount of available wave energy that theembodiment will tend to capture.

Similarly, this means that when waves are relatively large, especiallywhen the waves are produced in conjunction with a storm and potentiallyendanger the structural integrity of the embodiment, the amount of waterballast can be reduced and/or minimized, causing the embodiment'swaterline to be moved down toward the bottom end of the embodiment(e.g., as far down and away from the upper deck, i.e., 1117 in FIGS. 63and 64 , and/or wall of its buoy 1102). This reduction in the volume,weight, and mass, of water ballast within the embodiment will tend toraise the embodiment, and/or its buoy 1102, up and out of the water,placing a substantial portion of its lateral cross-sectional area (i.e.,the cross-sectional area associated with a horizontal section) out ofthe water.

This raising of the embodiment's buoy out and above the surface of thebody of water on which the embodiment floats will also tend tosubstantially reduce the embodiment's waterplane area. This reduction inthe embodiment's waterplane area will tend to reduce and/or minimize theamount of available wave energy that the embodiment will tend tocapture. And, this reduction in the amount of available wave energy thatthe embodiment captures will tend to protect the embodiment from thepotentially destructive structural stresses that it might otherwiseexperience were it to absorb more of that wave energy.

FIG. 66 shows a side cross-sectional view of the same embodiment of thepresent invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 59-65 , where the line66-66 of the section plane is specified in FIGS. 62 and 65 .

The structure of the buoy 1102 is defined in part through structuralplates, e.g., 1130, oriented approximately vertically and oriented in anapproximately radial fashion about a nominally vertical longitudinalaxis of approximate radial symmetry of the embodiment.

Within the embodiment is a tubular channel 1122 oriented approximatelyvertically and approximately parallel to a nominally verticallongitudinal axis of the embodiment. Water may freely enter and leave1112 the tubular channel 1122 via a bottom mouth 1113 and/or opening. Asthe embodiment moves up and down in response to the passing of oceanwaves, the surface 1131 of the water within the tubular channel 1122rises and falls relative to the embodiment and the tubular channeltherein.

As the surface 1131 of the water within the tubular channel 1122 falls,air tends to be drawn into the channel 1122 and/or into an air pocket1132 which tends to be present at the top of the channel. Air enters (assuggested by downward pointing arrows within air pocket 1132) thetubular channel with little, if any, resistance through intakeapertures, e.g., 1119, incorporated within an upper portion of thetube's wall(s) 1123 wherein the approximately unidirectional flow of airinto the tube, and/or into the air pocket therein, is enforced,controlled, and/or regulated, by respective one-way valves, e.g., 1133,within each intake aperture, e.g., 1119. When the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 1131 in an upper portion of the tubular channel1122 is greater than the pressure of the air outside the embodiment(e.g., greater than atmospheric pressure), then the one-way valveswithin the intake apertures tend to remain closed, thereby preventingthe escape of high-pressure air from the air pocket at the top of thetube. However, when the pressure of the air within the air pocket 1131in an upper portion of the tubular channel 1122 is less than thepressure of the air outside the embodiment (e.g., less than atmosphericpressure), then the one-way valves, e.g., 1119, tend to open and allowthe higher-pressure outside air to enter the tube.

As the surface 1131 of the water within the tubular channel 1122 rises,the pressure of any air within, and/or trapped within the air pocket1132 at the top of the channel 1122 tends to increase. When the pressureof the air within the air pocket at the top of the tubular channel 1122increases to where it becomes greater than the pressure of the airoutside the embodiment, e.g., greater than atmospheric pressure, thenthe one-way valves, e.g., 1133, in the intake apertures, e.g., 1119,tend to close, preventing the escape of the high-pressure air, andforcing at least a portion of that high-pressure air to exit 1134 thetubular channel through the exhaust ducts, e.g., 1114, at the top of theair pocket 1132 and the tubular channel 1122, thereby forcing, guiding,and/or directing, at least a portion of that high-pressure air to passthrough, engage, energize, spin, and/or cause to rotate, the airturbines, e.g., 1142, within the respective ducts, e.g., 1114. Thehigh-pressure-air-induced spinning of the air turbines tends to causerespective generators, operatively connected to the air turbines, togenerate electrical power.

The embodiment incorporates voids that are able to hold water as ballastallowing the embodiment to adjust its mass, weight, and inertia, withina range of values. Within buoy 1102 the relatively spacious interiorvoid is able to, and typically does, contain a substantial volume ofwater 1135 (e.g., seawater) which substantially increases the weight andmass of the embodiment. When the level 1136 of water ballast within thebuoy is increased, so too the weight and mass of the embodiment isincreased, which tends to cause the embodiment to sit lower in thewater, i.e., raising the embodiment's waterline 1137 and increasing itswaterplane area (the cross-sectional area of the buoy 1102 across asection plane parallel to the surface 1101 of the water on which theembodiment floats). When the level 1136 of water within the buoy isdecreased, so too the weight and mass of the embodiment is decreased,which tends to cause the embodiment to rise up out of the water, i.e.,lowering the embodiment's waterline 1137 and decreasing its waterplanearea.

Within the buoy 1102, and attached to its interior walls, are computingchambers, e.g., 1129, that contain electronic and/or computationalcircuits, e.g., 1138, that process computational tasks received viaencoded electromagnetic signals from remote antennas, e.g., the antennaon a satellite, and that consume at least a portion of the electricalpower generated by the embodiment. In the process of performingcomputational tasks, the circuits within the computing chambers, e.g.,1129, generate heat that, if not dissipated at an adequate rate, mightdamage the electronic and/or computational circuits positioned and/orhoused within the computing chambers.

The computing chambers, e.g., 1129, containing the computationalcircuits, e.g., 1138, are in contact with the water that comprises thewater ballast contained within the buoy 1102 when the level 1136 of thatwater ballast is sufficiently high. In addition, the computationalcircuits, e.g., 1138, within each computing chamber, e.g., 1129, arebathed in a phase-changing liquid 1139 that tends to absorb some of theheat generated by the circuits within their respective computingchambers. Upon absorbing thermal energy (i.e., heat), a portion of thephase-changing liquid 1139 tends to boil and become a gas 1140 thattends to rise within respective computing-chamber specificheat-exchanging tubes, e.g., 1128, that are fluidly connected to theirrespective compartments, e.g., 1129.

Because the outer sides or walls of the heat-exchanging tubes, e.g.,1128, are in contact with the water 1101 outside the buoy 1102, and are,at times, e.g., when the volume of water ballast is at or above acertain level, in contact with the water ballast 1135 within the buoy,the heated phase-changing gas tends to conductively transfer heat to thewalls of the respective heat-exchanging tubes, e.g., 1128, which tendsto transfer at least a portion of that heat to the air or water outsidethose heat-exchanging tubes, and thereafter tends to (re)condense, e.g.,1141, and change back to a liquid phase, whereupon it tends to draindown and back into the computing chamber, e.g., 1129, from whence itboiled off.

The gap 1143 between inner 1123 and outer 1105 walls of the tubularchannel 1122 is, in part, filled with buoyant material(s) that offset(s)at least a portion of the embodiment's weight, thereby tending to reduceits density. In the absence of water ballast 1135 within the buoy 1102,the embodiment will tend to rise, to a degree, out of the water in whichit floats, thereby reducing its waterplane area, and rendering it lesssensitive to the energy of the waves that buffet it. As water is addedas additional ballast, the weight and mass of the embodiment increases,and its average density increases, causing it to sink, to a degree, intothe water 1101 on which it floats, thereby raising the nominalwaterline, and tending to increase its sensitivity to the energy of thewaves that buffet it. During storms tends to be advantageous to be ableto raise the embodiment out of, and above, the surface 1101 of the waterto a degree. Conversely, during periods of weak waves, it tends to beadvantageous to be able to lower the embodiment further into the waterthereby increasing the area of the surface 1101 of the water that itdisplaces, and thereby exposing it to a greater amount of the modestwave energy that is available to it.

FIG. 67 shows the same side cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofthe present invention that is illustrated in FIG. 66 , and, as with thecross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 66 , the line 66-66 specifiedin FIGS. 62 and 65 defines the section plane to which the view in FIG.67 corresponds.

In the illustration provided in FIG. 67 , the volume of water ballast1135 within the embodiment's buoy 1102 is decreased compared to theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 66 . As a consequence of the loweredlevel 1136, and reduced volume and mass, of the water ballast 1135within the buoy 1102, the mass, weight, and average density, of theembodiment has decreased substantially. Because of the decreased volumeand mass of water ballast 1135 within the embodiment, the embodiment hasrisen, to a degree, out of, and above, the surface 1101 of the body ofwater on which the embodiment floats, thereby lowering its nominal oraverage waterline 1137, thereby decreasing its waterplane area, andthereby decreasing the amount of energy that it is able to extract fromthe waves that pass it by.

Because the volume of water ballast 1135 within the buoy 1102 hasdecreased, the level 1136 of that water has fallen. Because of this, adistal and/or upper portion of the heat-exchanging tubes, e.g., 1128,that are connected to, and extend out from, the computing chambers,e.g., 1129, containing computational circuits, e.g., 1138, are no longerfully bathed in the water of the ballast 1135, and are instead, in part,in contact with the air above the surface 1136 of the water ballast.Also as a consequence of the embodiment's fallen waterline 1137, theportions of the heat-exchanging tubes, e.g., 1128, that extend throughthe outer walls of the buoy 1102 and are nominally in contact with thewater on which the embodiment floats, are no longer fully bathed in thewater 1101 outside the embodiment. The reduction in the surface areawithin each heat-exchanging tube 1128 that is bathed in water, insideand outside the buoy 1102, means that the rate at which theheat-exchanging tubes can conductively transfer heat away from theboiled-off heat-absorbing phase-changing gas 1140 is reduced. Thus therate at which that gas 1140 condenses on the walls of theheat-exchanging tubes, e.g., 1128, may be reduced, and it may beadvantageous to reduce the rate at which computations are performed, andthe corresponding and/or associated rate at which energy is consumed,and heat is generated, by the computational circuits, e.g., 1138, withinthe computing chambers, e.g., 1129.

It may be useful for an embodiment to reduce the volume, weight, andmass of its water ballast 1135 when waves become so vigorous that thereis a danger of the embodiment being driven too forcefully in response tothem. By reducing the volume of its water ballast, an embodiment canraise itself, to a degree, above the waves, thereby lowering itswaterline 1137, and thereby reducing its waterplane area. And, as aconsequence of lowering its waterline 1137, and reducing its waterplanearea, the average level 1131 of the water inside its tubular waterchannel 1122 will also tend to be lowered, which thereby tends toincrease the volume of the air pocket 1132 above that level 1131. Thus,the distance between the surface 1131 of the water in the water channel1122 will tend to be further away from the intake apertures 1119, andthe ducted turbines 1114/1142, adjacent to the top of the tube,permitting the vertical oscillations of the water within the tube tohave a greater amplitude before they reach the intake apertures andducted turbines, and exceed the limits of the space available to themwithin the tube. The increase nominal volume of the air pocket 1132 alsomeans that, in general, the raising of the surface 1131 of the waterwithin the embodiment's tubular channel 1122 by a given distance willtend to result in a lesser increase in the pressure of the air withinthe air pocket, which will cause the embodiment to absorb less energyper unit distance of oscillation in the water column 1122 than it wouldabsorb with a more heavily ballasted configuration.

FIG. 68 shows the same vertical cross-section of the embodiment as isillustrated in FIGS. 66 and 67 . However, FIG. 68 affords a perspectiveview of the cross-section, and omits the water ballast within buoy andthe water within the tubular water channel 1122.

FIG. 69 shows a close-up view of the lower-left quadrant of theperspective cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 68 . Note the wall1121 of the heat-exchanging channel 1128 that extends through the outerwall 1102 of the embodiment's buoy thereby facilitating the dissipationof heat from the heat-exchanging channel 1128 into the water or airoutside the buoy 1102.

FIG. 70 shows a top-down cross-sectional view of the same embodiment ofthe present invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 59-69 , where theline 70-70 of the section plane is specified in FIG. 59 .

The lower part of the embodiment's water tube 1105/1106 is comprised ofa structural design similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 70 . Aright-most and/or front-most portion and/or extent of the outer wall1105 of the embodiment's water tube is smooth and approximatelyelliptical in horizontal cross-sectional shape so as to minimize thedrag caused as the embodiment moves forward, i.e., to the right withrespect to the embodiment orientation illustrated in FIG. 70 . Bycontrast, a left-most and/or back-most portion and/or extent of theouter wall 1106 is sharp, tapered, and/or angled, so as to give the tubea horizontal cross-sectional shape that is approximately that of thetrailing end of an airfoil and/or wing, again minimizing the drag, andthereby facilitating the movement, of the tube and the embodimentthrough the water on which the embodiment floats.

Between the outer wall 1105/1106 and an intermediate wall 1124 is a gap,void, and/or space, 1144 that contains a truss-like structure of struts,stringers, and/or voids, that give structural strength to the tube,thereby reducing the likelihood of the tube's deformation and/orstructural failure, when or if the tube is subjected to stress,especially to stress that would tend to impart to the tube a torque thatmight tend to bend and/or break the tube.

Between the intermediate wall 1124 and the inner wall 1123 is anapproximately annular space 1143 that contains buoyant material thatreduces the average density of the embodiment, thereby facilitating itsability to float adjacent to the surface of the body of water on whichthe embodiment captures wave energy. In an embodiment, the buoyantmaterial positioned between the intermediate wall 1124 and the innerwall 1123 is rigid (e.g., such as high-density structural polyurethanefoam) which tends to increase the strength of the tube's walls, and ofthe tube in whole. In an embodiment, buoyant material is also positionedbetween the outer wall 1105/1106 and the intermediate wall 1124, i.e.,between and/or within the truss structure therein. And, in anotherembodiment, buoyant material is positioned between the inner wall 1123and the outer wall 1105/1106.

Within the tube, and/or within the channel 1122 within tubular wall1123, water tends to flow vertically in an oscillating manner,especially in response to wave motion buffeting the embodiment.

FIG. 71 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

A buoyant structure 1200, buoy, float, barge, boat, ship, vessel, and/orbuoyant platform, floats adjacent to an upper surface 1201 of a body ofwater. The buoy 1200 has a “v-shaped” hull, a pair of propellers, e.g.,1203, and a rudder 1204, facilitating the self-propelled movement of theembodiment through the water 1201 (e.g., in and/or toward directionsapproximately opposite the propellers, and/or approximately to the rightwith respect to the embodiment orientation illustrated in FIG. 71 ).

An open-bottomed water tube 1205 is incorporated within the embodiment1200 near the lateral center of buoy 1200 (with respect to a horizontalplane) and has a nominally vertical longitudinal axis that isapproximately coaxial with a nominally vertical longitudinal axis of theembodiment. Because the bottom 1206 of the water tube 1205 is open tothe water below, water is free and/or able to move 1207 into, and outof, the water tube. As water oscillates vertically and/or longitudinallywithin the water tube 1205, especially in response to the effect of wavemotion on the embodiment and on the water on which the embodimentfloats, a pocket of air (not visible) trapped near the top, and/or at anupper end, of the water tube tends to be cyclically compressed anddecompressed.

When the air within the air pocket, at an upper end of the water tube,is compressed, a one-way valve (not visible) allows a portion of thecompressed air to flow into a high-pressure accumulator (not visible)within the buoy 1200 after which it flows through a tube 1208 into atubular channel 1209 wherein a turbine (not visible within the tubularchannel) extracts energy from the flowing air and causes a generator1210 to generate electrical power. After passing through the turbinewithin the tubular channel 1209, the air flows through a tube 1211 intoa low-pressure accumulator (not visible) within the buoy 1200.

When the air within the air pocket, at an upper end of the water tube,is decompressed, a one-way valve (not visible) allows a portion of thedepressurized air within the low-pressure accumulator to flow into theair pocket. After which the air pocket will again be compressed andpressurized, and air will again be forced into the high-pressureaccumulator. And the cyclic flow of air through the embodiment and itsturbine will repeat, with the air within the embodiment tending tocyclically move from the air pocket, through the turbine, and back tothe air pocket again and again.

A portion of the electrical power generated by the embodiment, e.g., inresponse to wave action, is used to power, and/or is consumed by, one ormore computers, computational circuits, and/or electronic circuits,housed within a computing chamber 1212, compartment, enclosure, housing,box, module, and/or case. Heat generated as a result of the consumption,utilization, and/or expenditure, of electrical energy and/or power bythe one or more circuits within computing chamber 1212 is passivelyand/or conductively dissipated to the air outside the embodiment througha wall of the computing chamber 1212.

Computational tasks and data are received by the embodiment from aremote antenna and/or broadcast (e.g., via satellite transmission). Theincident electromagnetic transmissions are received by means of a phasedarray of antennas, e.g., 1213, positioned on, attached to, and/orconnected to, an upper deck 1214, and/or surface, of the embodiment1200. A portion of the results of completed and/or processedcomputational tasks and/or data are transmitted by the embodiment 1200to a remote antenna (e.g., to a satellite) by means of the same phasedarray of antennas, e.g., 1213.

A portion of the electrical power generated by the embodiment inresponse to wave action is used to power, and/or is consumed by, a pairof pumps, e.g., 1215, that pump water through a pair of respectivetubes, e.g., 1216. The pumps, e.g., 1215, draw water into each of theirrespective tubes, e.g., 1216, through an opening, e.g., 1217, at a lowerend of each tube, from the body of water 1201 on which the embodimentfloats. The water within each tube, e.g., 1216, is then sprayed out of anozzle 1218 at an upper end of each tube, e.g., 1216. The resultingaerosolized water and salt may rise into the atmosphere and promotecloud formation, thereby tending to reflect incident sunlight back intospace, and potentially reducing the temperature of the Earth in theprocess.

FIG. 72 shows a top-down view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIG. 71 . Note that the antennas, e.g.,1213, comprising the phased array antenna are positioned across asubstantial portion of the upper surface of the embodiment 1200.

FIG. 73 shows a side cross-sectional view of the same embodiment of thepresent invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 71-72 , where the line73-73 of the section plane is specified in FIG. 72 .

In response to, and/or as a consequence of, wave action upon theembodiment 1200 as it floats adjacent to a surface 1201 of a body ofwater, water 1219 inside water tube 1205 tends to move 1221/1207 up anddown within the water tube (e.g., moving out of phase with theembodiment's vertical movements). And water tends to move 1207 in andout of the open mouth 1206 positioned at the bottom of the tube 1205.

As water 1219 within tube 1205 moves up and down, so too does thesurface 1220 of the water 1219 within the tube 1205 tend to move 1221 upand down, thereby cyclically, periodically, and/or repeatedly,compressing and decompressing air that tends to be trapped within an airpocket 1222, space, volume, void, and/or space at the top of the watertube 1205.

When the pocket of air 1222 is compressed by the rising of the surface1220 of the water within the water tube 1205, then, when the pressure ofthat air exceeds the pressure of the air within high-pressureaccumulator 1223, one-way valve 1224 tends to open and the more highlypressurized air within the air pocket 1222 tends to flow through achannel 1225, pipe, and/or tube, from the air pocket 1222 into thehigh-pressure accumulator 1223. When the pressure of the air within theair pocket 1222 falls below the pressure of the air within thehigh-pressure accumulator 1223 then the one-way valve 1224 tends toclose, blocking the reverse flow of air from the high-pressureaccumulator 1223 back into the air pocket 1222 and/or water tube 1205.

Pressurized air with the high-pressure accumulator 1223 flows into pipe1208 and into pipe 1209, therein passing through, engaging, and/orcausing to rotate, turbine 1226. The rotation of turbine 1226 rotatesthe rotor of generator 1210 to which it is operatively connected,thereby generating electrical power.

After flowing through turbine 1226 the flowing air flows into andthrough pipe 1211, and thereafter flows into low-pressure accumulator1227.

When the surface 1220 of the water 1219 within the water tube 1205falls, the pressure of the air within the air pocket 1222 at the top ofthe water tube 1205, tends to be reduced. When the pressure of the airwithin the air pocket 1222 falls below the pressure of the air withinthe low-pressure accumulator 1227, one-way valve 1228 tends to open andair from the low-pressure accumulator 1227 tends to be drawn into theair pocket 1222.

When the surface 1220 of the water 1219 within the water tube 1205 againrises, pressurized air will again be pushed into high-pressureaccumulator 1223, will thereafter flow through and energize turbine1226, thereby generating more electrical power, will thereafter returnto the low-pressure accumulator, and will finally be drawn again intothe air pocket 1222. Thus, air within the embodiment's power take-offtends to move in, and/or along, a repeating and/or cyclical path,generating electrical power in the process.

The embodiment's control system (not shown) is able to, and does, pumpair from outside the embodiment into the embodiment's power take-off,e.g., into the embodiment's air pocket 1222, using a pump (not shown),when the surface of the water 1220 within the embodiment's water tube1205 is too close to the apertures 1225 and 1229. The embodiment'scontrol system (not shown) is able to, and does, release air from theembodiment's power take-off, e.g., from the embodiment's air pocket1222, using a control-system actuated valve (not shown), to theatmosphere outside the embodiment, when the surface of the water 1220within the embodiment's water tube 1205 is too far from the apertures1225 and 1229.

A portion of the electrical power generated by the embodiment'sgenerator is used to power one or more electronic and/or computationalcircuits 1230 positioned within a computing chamber 1212 attached to anupper surface 1214 of the embodiment 1200. A portion of the heatgenerated by the electronic computational circuits within computingchamber 1212 is conducted through some of the walls of the chamber 1212and into the air surrounding the embodiment, thereby facilitating thepassive cooling of those computational circuits. An embodiment similarto the one illustrated in FIG. 73 includes a phase-changing materialwithin the computing chamber 1212 to facilitate the removal of heat fromthe computing circuits 1230 therein, and to facilitate the conduction ofa portion of that heat to the air outside the embodiment.

Within a portion of the embodiment's buoy 1202 is water ballast 1231 thevolume, weight, and mass of which may be altered by pumps (not shown)controlled by a control system (not shown) of the embodiment 1200. Whenthe volume of water ballast 1231 within the buoy 1202 is increased, theembodiment will sit lower in the water 1201, thereby raising itswaterline, and tending to increase its waterplane area, therebypotentially exposing it to, and enabling it to absorb and process, agreater fraction of the ambient wave energy. When the volume of waterballast 1231 within the buoy 1202 is decreased, the embodiment will sithigher in the water 1201, thereby lowering its waterline, and tending toreduce its waterplane area, thereby potentially reducing the fraction ofthe ambient wave energy to which it is exposed, and which it willabsorb—this is particularly useful during storm conditions which mightotherwise damage the embodiment if it were to absorb too great afraction of the ambient wave energy.

FIG. 74 shows a top-down cross-sectional view of the same embodiment ofthe present invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 71-73 , where theline 74-74 of the section plane is specified in FIG. 73

Air pocket 1222 is sectioned by the section plane passing through anupper position within the water tube 1205.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 1222 surpasses thepressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator 1223, then theone-way valve 1224 tends to open, and/or to be open, thereby allowingthe pressurized air-pocket air to flow therethrough and into thehigh-pressure accumulator. When the pressure of the within the airpocket 1222 is not greater than the pressure of the air within thehigh-pressure accumulator 1223, then the one-way valve 1224 tends toclose, and/or to be closed, thereby preventing air from escaping thehigh-pressure accumulator so as to flow back into the air pocket 1222.

When the pressure of the air within the air pocket 1222 falls below thepressure of the air within the low-pressure accumulator 1227, then theone-way valve 1228 tends to open, and/or to be open, thereby allowingthe relatively higher-pressure air within the low-pressure accumulatorto flow therethrough and into the low-pressure accumulator. When thepressure of the air within the air pocket 1222 surpasses the pressure ofthe air within the low-pressure accumulator 1227, then the one-way valve1228 tends to close, and/or to be closed, thereby preventing air fromescaping the air pocket so as to flow back into the low-pressureaccumulator.

When the air pocket 1222, and the air therein, are compressed by arising and/or raising of the water (1219 in FIG. 73 ) within the tube1205, pressurized air is forced 1234 through one-way valve 1224 withinand through conduit 1225, channel, pipe, and/or tube, and flows 1235into high-pressure accumulator 1223. From there the air moves throughthe tubular channel (1208, 1209, 1211 in FIG. 73 ), and the turbine(1226 in FIG. 73 ) therein, and enters 1232 low-pressure accumulator1227.

When the air within the air pocket 1222 at the top of water tube 1205 isdecompressed (i.e., has its pressure reduced) due to a drop and/orlowering in the surface (1220 in FIG. 73 ) of the water 1219 within thetube 1205, then one-way valve 1228 opens and air is drawn 1232 fromlow-pressure accumulator 1227 an flows 1233 into the air pocket 1222 atthe top of the water tube 1205.

Note that the high- and low-pressure accumulators have relatively longand approximately rectangular horizontal cross-sectional shapes, andthat the water column also has an approximately rectangularcross-section with respect to horizontal section planes, though ofcourse neither of these attributes is essential, and all shapes, sizes,volumes, cross-sectional shapes, orientations, positions, and relativepositions, are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 75 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The buoyant embodiment 1300 floats adjacent to a surface 1301 of a bodyof water. An upper buoy 1302 provides a substantial portion of theembodiment's buoyancy by means of buoyant material incorporated withinthe buoy; material that has a density that is less than the density ofthe water 1301 on which the embodiment floats. A bottom extension 1303of the buoy is approximately coaxial with a water tube 1304 that dependsfrom the buoy, with respect to a nominally vertical longitudinal axis ofapproximate radial symmetry, and an annular gap or space separates thebuoy wall 1303 of the downward tubular extension of the buoy 1302 fromthe upper wall of the embodiment's tube 1304.

An open mouth 1305 at a bottom end of the water tube 1304 allows waterto move 1306 into, and out of, the water tube 1304, especially inresponse to wave action at the buoy 1302. A pocket of air is typicallyfound at and/or in a top portion of the water tube 1304. The air withinthe air pocket tends to be compressed when water within the tube 1304rises, and tends to be decompressed when water within the tube 1304falls. The cyclic, periodic, and/or alternating, compression anddecompression of air within the air pocket at the top of the tubeaffords an opportunity to extract energy from the passing waves.

When air within the air pocket trapped adjacent to the top of the watertube 1304 is compressed, one-way valves (not visible) within the wall ofthe water tube, and separating the air pocket from a high-pressureaccumulator, open and allow a portion of the pressurized air-pocket airto leave the air pocket and flow into the high-pressure accumulator. Thehigh-pressure accumulator (not visible within the buoy 1302) iscomprised of a void, space, chamber, and/or enclosure, within the buoy1302. Pressurized air within the high-pressure accumulator flows 1307,relatively steadily, out of the high-pressure accumulator through twoconstricted channels 1308, within which air turbines (not visible) arecaused to rotate in response to the flow of air, causing operativelyconnected generators to generate electrical power.

When air within the air pocket within the water tube 1304 isdecompressed, a one-way valve (not visible) inside an aperture 1309within an upper wall of the water tube opens, thereby allowing air toflow 1310 into the water tube 1304, and flow into, and/or create, an airpocket therein.

Thus, when water within water tube 1304 rises, e.g., when the embodimentis descending following the passage of a wave crest, air within an airpocket at the top of the water tube is compressed, opening one-wayvalves into a high-pressure accumulator within buoy 1302, and closingthe one-way valve within an aperture 1309 at the top of the water tube.The compression of the air within the air pocket forces air through therespective opened one-way valves and into the high-pressure accumulator,whereafter portions of the pressurized air therein flows out, and intothe atmosphere outside the embodiment 1300, in a somewhat steady,constant, and/or regular, fashion, and/or rate, through exhaust ducts1308 causing air turbines therein to rotate and energize operativelyconnected generators, thereby causing the generators to generateelectricity.

And, likewise, when water within water tube 1304 falls, e.g., when theembodiment is rising in response to an approaching wave crest, airwithin an air pocket at the top of the water tube is decompressed (i.e.,its pressure is reduced) opening a one-way valve within aperture 1309and thereby allowing air outside the embodiment 1300 to enter, and/or tocreate, the air pocket within the water tube, and closing the one-wayvalves connecting the air pocket to the high-pressure accumulator.

The cyclic compression and decompression of the air pocket at the top ofthe water tube 1304 creates a flow of air into and out of the airpocket, engaging turbines, and their respective operatively connectedgenerators, thereby generating electrical power, in the process.

A controller (not shown) within the embodiment is able to open and closea one-way valve, that, when open, allows pressurized air within thehigh-pressure accumulator to exit through a nozzle 1311, and therelatively narrow opening therein, thereby creating a jet of pressurizedair. The jet creates, and imparts to the embodiment 1300, thrust thattends to propel the embodiment in a forward direction (i.e., a directionparallel to, and opposite that of, the direction of the jet). A rudder1312 allows the embodiment to maneuver as it is propelled forward, andthereby to steer a course in a desired direction and/or toward a desiredlocation.

A pipe 1313 allows water 1301 to be drawn up, as the jet blows overand/or past an open upper end 1314 of the pipe 1313, and to be carriedaway from the upper end of the pipe as an aerosol spray drawn into thejet of air emitted by the nozzle 1311. Such a water aerosol may promotecloud formation and reflect back to space a portion of the sunlightincident on those clouds.

A portion of the electrical power generated by the embodiment 1300 isconsumed by one or more computational circuits housed within a computingchamber 1315 attached to an upper surface of the embodiment 1300. Aportion of the heat generated by those computational circuits istransferred to the air outside the embodiment conductively through awall of the chamber 1315.

A phased array of antennas, e.g., 1316, arrayed across an upper surfaceof the embodiment 1300, allows the embodiment to receive computationaltasks, data, signals, instructions, and other information, from,through, and/or via, electromagnetic signals, e.g., such as those thatmight be broadcast by a satellite. The phased array antenna also allowsthe embodiment to transmit computational results, data, updates, andother information, through, and/or via, electromagnetic signals, e.g.,such as those that might be received by a satellite.

FIG. 76 shows a side view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIG. 75 .

The intake aperture 1309 is incorporated within an upper wall 1317 ofthe water tube 1304.

The thrust 1318 produced when high-pressure air is released from theembodiment's high-pressure accumulator through nozzle 1311 pushes theembodiment in a direction approximately opposite the rudder's radialorientation from the embodiment's vertical longitudinal axis, i.e.,toward the left with respect to the embodiment orientation illustratedin FIG. 76 . Thus, thrust generated by the release of high-pressure airthrough the nozzle 1311, in conjunction with adjustments to, and/or aturning of, the rudder 1312, allows the embodiment to be driven,steered, self-propelled, and/or moved, across the surface 1301 of thebody of water on which the embodiment floats in a direction, and/ortoward or to a destination, selected and controlled by the embodiment'scontrol system (not shown).

The lower portion 1303 of buoy 1302 is approximately tubular, and isapproximately coaxial with water tube 1304 with respect to theirlongitudinal axes of radial symmetry. A gap between tubular walls 1303and 1304 allows water to flow 1320 into and out of an interior voidwithin buoy 1302.

FIG. 77 shows a back view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIGS. 75 and 76 .

Nozzle 1311 is mounted on, and/or connected to, a rotatable junction,connector, platform, stage, and/or fixture 1321 that permits theembodiment's control system (not shown) to adjust, control, and/orchange, the angle at which high-pressure air is directed, released,and/or emitted, as well as the related angle of the thrust therebyproduced. In conjunction with the rudder 1312, the swivel-mounted nozzleallows the embodiment to control its direction of travel when thecontrol system opens the one-way valve that releases high-pressure airthrough the nozzle and thereby generates thrust.

FIG. 78 shows a top-down view of the same embodiment of the presentinvention that is illustrated in FIGS. 75-77 .

Inside the exhaust constricted tubes and/or ducts 1308 are air turbines1322. Inside the intake duct and/or aperture 1309 is a one-way valvethat admits atmospheric air into the air pocket when, and only when, thepressure of the air within the air pocket is lower than that of theatmospheric air (e.g., below atmospheric pressure).

FIG. 79 shows a side cross-sectional view of the same embodiment of thepresent invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 75-78 , where the line79-79 of the section plane is specified in FIG. 78 .

As waves moving over the surface 1301 of the body of water on which theembodiment 1300 floats impact and/or interact with the embodiment, water1323 within the embodiment's water tube 1304 tends to move up and down.As the water 1323 within the tube 1304 moves up and down, the surface1324 of that water 1323 moves up and down, tending to cyclically,periodically, and/or in alternating fashion, compress and decompress airtrapped within an air pocket 1325 that tends to form at, and/or adjacentto, the top of water tube 1304.

When the surface 1324 of the water 1323 within the water tube 1304rises, and thereby compresses the air 1325 trapped in the pocket of airat the top of the water tube 1304, the pressure of that air may exceedthe pressure of the air within the upper portion 1326 of the interior ofthe buoy, which portion is outside and separate from the interior of thewater tube 1304 thereby causing one-way valves, e.g., 1327, operativelyconnected to corresponding apertures, e.g., 1328, positioned withinupper portions of the walls of the water tube 1304, to open, and/or tobe open. When the one-way valves, e.g., 1327, open, and/or are open, inresponse to a sufficient increase in the pressure of the air within theair pocket 1325, then a portion of the pressurized air within the airpocket 1325 will tend to flow into the upper portion 1326 of theinterior of the buoy, whereby that portion of the interior of the buoythat lies outside the water tube 1304 functions as a high-pressureaccumulator.

As pressurized air flows through the separating apertures, e.g., 1328,flowing from the air pocket 1325 into the embodiment's high-pressureaccumulator 1326, water 1329 also within the upper portion 1326 of theinterior of the buoy is pushed down and out 1320 of the buoy 1302/1303through the gap 1319 that lies between the walls 1303 and 1304.

Pressurized air within the high-pressure accumulator 1326 flows out ofthe embodiment 1300 through constricted tubes 1308 and through therespective air turbines 1322 therein. As the turbines are rotated inresponse to the flow of air through their respective blades, operativelyconnected generators 1330 generate electrical power. And, as pressurizedair within the high-pressure accumulator 1326 flows out of theembodiment, the surface of the water 1329 within the interior of thebuoy tends to rise, thereby tending to draw in 1320 water 1301 fromoutside the embodiment through gap 1319.

When the surface 1324 of the water 1323 within the water tube 1304falls, and reduces the pressure of the air 1325 trapped at the top ofthe water tube 1304, one-way valve 1331 opens, and/or is open, therebyallowing air outside the embodiment to be drawn 1310 into the air pocket1325 at the top of the water tube 1304.

When the average power of the waves impacting, and/or passing by, theembodiment, becomes excessive (with respect to design and operationalcriteria and limits such as the maximum output of the generators), thenair will tend to gather within the high-pressure accumulator 1326 fasterthan it will and/or can flow out through tubes 1308. and turbines 1322therein, incrementally pushing the water 1329 within the buoy furtherand further down. In the most extreme case, the air in the high-pressureaccumulator 1326 may fill the interior of the buoy and some air may beforced out through the gap 1319 between walls 1303 and 1304, potentiallyexiting 1332 the embodiment therethrough, e.g., as bubbles.

Thus, the buoyancy of the embodiment 1300 has an upper limit. Thebuoyancy of the embodiment 1300 cannot exceed a maximal value that isreached, and/or established as that configuration, when the interior ofthe buoy 1302/1303, i.e., when its high-pressure accumulator 1326, ismaximally filled with air and water 1329 has been excluded from theinterior of the buoy.

This disclosed device design also inherently prevents the air within thehigh-pressure accumulator 1326 from exceeding a maximal amount ofpressure (i.e., before the pressure of the air within the high-pressureaccumulator can exceed a certain device-specific maximal pressure, airwill bubble out the gap 1319 and escape the device). The maximumpossible pressure of the air within the high-pressure accumulator isequal to the pressure of the water at the depth at which the lowestand/or bottommost end, and/or extent, of the gap 1319 is positioned withrespect to that time, moment, configuration, and/or operationalcircumstance, when the high-pressure accumulator achieves its maximalvolume, and/or when the water ballast 1329 achieves it minimal volume,and/or when the embodiment's waterline reaches and/or is at its lowestpoint, and/or when the embodiment's draft is maximal, and/or when theembodiment achieves its greatest degree of buoyancy.

When the average power of the waves impacting, and/or passing by, theembodiment, falls below an optimal and/or nominal value, then theembodiment's control system (not shown) may increase the resistivetorque applied by the generators 1330 to their respective air turbines1322 thus tending to slow the exit of high-pressure air through and/orfrom the constricted tubes 1308 thereby tending to maintain a desirablevolume of high-pressure air within the high-pressure accumulator 1326.However, whether or not the resistive torques of the generators areincreased, an inadequate and/or suboptimal average wave power will tendto result in the volume of high-pressure air within the high-pressureaccumulator decreasing, and, correspondingly, in the volume of waterwithin the interior of the buoy increasing. When this happens, thebuoyancy provided by low-density and/or buoyant materials 1333positioned and/or incorporated within the buoy (e.g., attached to theinterior side walls 1303 of the buoy) tends to provide sufficientbuoyancy to prevent the volume of water within the buoy from exceeding amaximum value (and thereby preventing the embodiment from sinking).

Even though water is able to enter and leave 1320 the interior voidwithin the buoy 1302/1303 through the annular gap 1319, the volume ofwater 1329 within the buoy is effectively a consequence of, andcontrolled by, the pressure and volume of the air within theembodiment's high-pressure accumulator 1326. Therefore, even though thewater 1329 within the buoy is connected to the water outside theembodiment by gap 1319, the water is effectively trapped and tends toconstitute ballast, and/or to affect and/or influence the embodiment'sbehavior as would ballast.

By altering the rate at which air flows out of the high-pressureaccumulator (e.g., by altering the magnitude of the resistive torqueapplied to the air turbines by their respective generators), theembodiment's control system can alter and/or control the volume of bothair and water within the buoy (within a range of values determined inpart by the average power of the waves buffeting the embodiment) andthereby control the embodiment's average waterline, average waterplanearea, and/or average draft. By decreasing the volume of water within thehigh-pressure accumulator 1326, the embodiment can raise itself out ofthe water (to a degree) and thereby potentially reduce its waterplanearea, and thereby reduce the relative amount, and/or fraction, of theambient wave power that will impact and/or affect the embodiment.

Even without active control of the volume of air within thehigh-pressure accumulator 1326, the embodiment is, to a degree,self-stabilizing with respect to the wave power that it draws from thewaves.

When the average wave power is undesirably great, air will tend toaccumulate within the high-pressure accumulator at a greater rate thanit lost through the exhaust ducts 1308, and the volume of water ballastwithin the buoy 1303 will therefore tend to decrease, which willtherefore tend to raise the embodiment out of the water to a degree,which will tend to lower the embodiment's waterline and thereby increaseits waterplane area, which will tend to reduce the fraction of theincident wave power that is absorbed by the embodiment which will tendto slow the accumulation of high pressure air within the high-pressureaccumulator 1326, which will tend to draw water into the buoy andthereby increase the amount of water ballast 1329 within the buoy, whichwill tend to lower the embodiment, which will tend to raise theembodiment's waterline and thereby increase its waterplane area, whichwill tend to increase the fraction of the incident wave power that isabsorbed by the embodiment . . . and so on, such that an equilibriumwill tend to manifest, thereby naturally and/or spontaneously tending toadjust the amount of energy that the embodiment absorbs from the ambientwaves so as to equal, at least approximately, the amount of energy thatis processed by the embodiment (e.g., through the passage of pressurizedair through its turbines).

Thus, the draft, waterline, and waterplane area, of the device will tendto find and oscillate about an optimal value that is defined withrespect to the ambient wave conditions so that the amount ofhigh-pressure air within the embodiment's high-pressure accumulator willtend to stabilize while providing an optimal rate of air flow throughthe turbines 1322, and the generation of an optimal amount of electricalpower by their respective generators 1330, regardless of the averagewave power (with respect to a range of average wave powers).

A portion of the electrical power generated by the embodiment is used toenergize one or more electronic and/or computational circuits, e.g.,1334, contained within an enclosure 1315. A portion of the electricalpower generated by the embodiment may be stored within energy storagedevices, including, but not limited to: batteries, capacitors,fuel-cell/electrolyzer-generated fuels, etc. Correspondingly, a portionof the electrical power consumed by the one or more electronic and/orcomputational circuits, e.g., 1334, contained within enclosure 1315, maybe drawn from energy storage devices, including, but not limited to:batteries, capacitors, fuel cells, etc., that are charged, and/orrecharged, by a portion of the electrical power generated by theembodiment.

A valve 1335 controlled by the embodiment's control system (not shown)allows the control system to initiate and terminate the generation ofthrust by releasing high-pressure air from the embodiment'shigh-pressure accumulator 1326 through nozzle 1311 at a rate determinedby the control system. The swiveled connector 1321 allows the controlsystem to alter or adjust the angle (to a degree and/or within a rangeof such angles) at which a jet of air is released, and at which theresulting thrust is generated.

When high-pressure air is released through nozzle 1311, the resultingjet of air draws water up through and/or out from the open upper end1314 of tube 1313, with the water within the tube 1313 being drawn intothe tube through the tube's open lower end 1336.

An embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 75-79 lacks avalve at 1335, and instead constantly allows a portion of thehigh-pressure air within its high-pressure accumulator 1326 to bereleased through nozzle 1311 and thereby generate thrust. Such anembodiment might enjoy a more reliable source of propulsion at theexpense of a relatively minor amount of potential (air pressure) energy.Similarly, an embodiment similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 75-79lacks both the valve at 1335 and the swiveled connector 1321.

FIG. 80 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the same embodimentof the present invention that is illustrated in FIGS. 75-79 , and, aswith the side cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 79 , the line79-79 specified in FIG. 78 defines the section plane to which the viewin FIG. 80 corresponds.

We claim:
 1. A buoyant wave energy converter comprising: a bulbous upperhull; a tubular water channel descending from the bulbous upper hull andhaving a lower aperture, the tubular water channel having an airfoilprofile; a water ballast compartment integrated into the bulbous upperhull; a gas accumulator in fluid communication with the water ballastcompartment; and a gas turbine configured to be rotated by gas exitingthe gas accumulator; wherein water rising in the tubular water channelcompresses gas in the tubular water channel and impels a portion of saidgas to the gas accumulator.
 2. The buoyant wave energy converter ofclaim 1, further comprising an electrical generator operativelycooperating with the gas turbine.
 3. The buoyant wave energy converterof claim 1, wherein water falling in the tubular water channel reduces apressure of gas in the tubular water channel causing gas to be drawninto the tubular water channel from atmosphere.
 4. A buoyant wave energyconverter, comprising: a buoy configured to float adjacent to an uppersurface of a body of water over which waves pass, the buoy including awater ballast and a pressurized gas chamber; a water tube depending fromthe buoy and configured to have an approximately vertical orientationwhen the buoy floats adjacent to an upper surface of a body of water,the water tube having a lowermost aperture that fluidly connects theinterior of the water tube to the body of water; a high-pressure valveat an upper end of the water tube, said high-pressure valve fluidlyconnecting the interior of the water tube to an interior of thepressurized gas chamber; a low-pressure valve at the upper end of thewater tube, said low-pressure valve fluidly connecting the interior ofthe water tube to atmosphere; a duct fluidly connecting the interior ofthe pressurized gas chamber to atmosphere; a turbine positioned in theduct; and a generator operably connected to the turbine; wherebywave-induced vertical movements of the buoyant wave energy convertercause water within the water tube to move upwardly to thereby compress agas in an upper portion of the water tube; whereby the compression ofthe gas causes a portion of the gas to flow through the high-pressurevalve and into the pressurized gas chamber; whereby wave-inducedvertical movements of the buoyant wave energy converter cause waterwithin the water tube to move downwardly to thereby decompress the gasin the upper portion of the water tube; whereby the decompression of thegas causes air to be drawn into an upper portion of the water tube; andwhereby a flow of pressurized air from the pressurized gas chamberthrough the duct causes a rotation of the turbine and causes thegenerator to produce electrical power.
 5. The buoyant wave energyconverter of claim 4, further comprising an egress aperture in the buoythat fluidly connects the water ballast with the body of water, andwhereby the pressurized gas chamber is configured to be in fluidcommunication with the water ballast.
 6. The buoyant wave energyconverter of claim 5, further comprising a valve positioned within theegress aperture.
 7. The buoyant wave energy converter of claim 4,further comprising: a depressurized gas chamber having a second duct; asecond turbine positioned within the second duct; and a second generatoroperably connected to the second turbine; whereby the depressurized gaschamber is fluidly connected to the low-pressure valve, and air fromatmosphere flows into the depressurized gas chamber through the secondduct, causing a rotation of the second turbine and causing theoperably-connected second generator to produce electrical power.
 8. Thebuoyant wave energy converter of claim 4, wherein the water tube has anairfoil profile.